Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Jackson Hole

3.6 mi
round trip
523 ft
climb
711 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Caution at last check

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 13 h ago

Is Jackson Hole open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Jackson Hole, 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.

Jackson Hole is a 3.6-mile out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from about 662 feet to a high point of 711 feet, with a total elevation gain of 523 feet over the round trip. The climb is rated hard, and the steepest stretch comes at about 1.1 miles in, where the grade reaches 10%. 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. The station sits a few hundred feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the route run slightly cooler. The trail is open year-round, and the estimated time is about 1.5 hours. Horses are allowed, and the surface is natural. Hayes Creek and 001V11 are both within half a mile. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs is about 2.5 miles away, and the Manky Alcove climbing area is about 3.3 miles off.

Around this trail

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

    Redbud Campground - Bell Smith Springs

    Campground

    Campground · 2.5 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Big Blue's BBQ

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 14 mi
  • 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 Hole

    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, 4.9 mi away at 527 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.