Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Jackson Falls

Jackson FallsPhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
5.8 mi
round trip
712 ft
climb
538 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Jackson Falls open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Jackson Falls, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

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

Jackson Falls is a hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, about 5.8 miles from the start. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is rated hard. The route is an out-and-back of about 5.8 miles, with a total elevation gain of 195 feet. The climb starts steep, with a 12% grade at about 0.19 miles, and the trail runs on natural surface. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Dixon Springs show October highs around 71°F with lows near 46°F, and May highs around 77°F. Cove Hollow Trail and The Gentleman's Grotto are both about 0.7 miles away, and Millstone Lake is about 0.9 miles off. Redbud Campground - Bell Smith Springs is about 3.1 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Primitive Campsite Jackson Falls

    Campground

    Campground · 1.6 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Subway

    Fast food

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Water Fall

    Attraction

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Jackson Falls

    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

      43° / 25°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      49° / 29°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      59° / 37°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      70° / 46°

      10 wet

    5. May

      77° / 56°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      85° / 63°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 66°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 65°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      82° / 57°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      71° / 46°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      57° / 37°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 29°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Dixon Springs Agric Ctr, IL, 3.6 mi away at 527 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

Jackson FallsPhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

Jackson Falls

~1 min drive

2.98-mile out-and-back trail in Illinois with 1,075 ft gain/loss

Millstone LakePhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

Millstone Lake

~2 min drive

12.78-mile loop trail in Illinois with 894 ft elevation gain.

RanchPhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

Ranch

~2 min drive

0.78-mile out-and-back trail in Illinois with 95 ft of elevation gain.

Cove Hollow TrailPhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

Cove Hollow Trail

~1 min drive

3.78-mile out-and-back trail in Illinois with 343 ft elevation gain.

Bell Smith SpringsPhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

Bell Smith Springs

~5 min drive

Scenic out-and-back trail through sandstone bluffs and spring-fed streams in southern Illinois.

West Cedar Lake TrailPhoto: lovebycycle, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

West Cedar Lake Trail

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Lake Glendale TrailPhoto: usfs_Eastern_Region, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

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3.06-mile loop trail in Illinois with 940 ft elevation gain.

North Bay CreekPhoto: Joe K Gage, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)

North Bay Creek

~9 min drive

4.00-mile out-and-back trail in Illinois with 273 ft gain and 352 ft loss.

Millstone Bluff TrailPhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

Millstone Bluff Trail

~2 min drive

0.56-mile lollipop trail in Illinois with 97 ft gain and 275 ft loss.

HIKE

Zion Church Rd

~4 min drive

4.89-mile out-and-back trail in Illinois with 350 ft elevation gain.