Illinois · Hiking

Kinkaid Lake Trail

1.9 mi
round trip
271 ft
climb
480 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Kinkaid Lake Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Kinkaid Lake Trail, 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.

Kinkaid Lake Trail is an easy out-and-back hike of about 1.9 miles in the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The route climbs roughly 46 feet from a low point around 420 feet to a high point near 480 feet, with the steepest stretch at about 0.57 miles in, where the grade reaches 11 percent. The trail is managed by the Forest Service. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 68°F in April and 70°F in October, while July highs average about 88°F and January highs about 42°F. Gum Ridge, a hike, sits just 0.1 mile away. Johnson Creek Campground and Deer Run Trail are each about half a mile off, and Johnson Creek - Primitive offers more camping within about 0.6 mile.

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

    Best time to visit Kinkaid Lake Trail

    Best months: March–April 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

      42° / 25°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      47° / 28°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      57° / 36°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 45°

      12 wet

    5. May

      77° / 55°

      14 wet

    6. Jun

      86° / 64°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 67°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 65°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      81° / 56°

      11 wet

    10. Oct

      70° / 45°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      56° / 35°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 28°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Carbondale Southern Il Ap, IL, 15.2 mi away at 406 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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