Illinois · Hiking

Initial Tree

Initial TreePhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
2.7 mi
round trip
493 ft
climb
657 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Initial Tree open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Initial Tree, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Shawnee National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Initial Tree is an easy out-and-back hike in Shawnee National Forest's Hidden Springs Ranger District in southern Illinois, about 2.7 miles long with a total elevation gain of 493 feet. The trail starts at roughly 485 feet and reaches a high point of 657 feet, with the steepest stretch at about 0.68 miles in, where the grade reaches 9 percent. The route is on natural surface, and horses are allowed. Bikes are not. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open year-round. The trip takes about an hour. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Rosiclare show May highs around 75°F and October highs near 69°F, with July and August highs in the mid-80s. Memorial, Pounds Ridge and Thacker Hollow are all about 0.3 miles away. Pine Ridge-Pounds Hollow campground is about 1.8 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Initial Tree

    Best months: March–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      41° / 22°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      46° / 25°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      56° / 33°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 43°

      11 wet

    5. May

      75° / 53°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 62°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 65°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      86° / 63°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      80° / 55°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      69° / 43°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      56° / 33°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      45° / 26°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Rosiclare 5nw, IL, 11.2 mi away at 400 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.