Illinois · Hiking

Knights of the Golden Circle

Knights of the Golden CirclePhoto: Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D., Public Domain Dedication (CC0) (via Flickr)
2.3 mi
round trip
438 ft
climb
814 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Knights of the Golden Circle open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Knights of the Golden Circle, 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.

Knights of the Golden Circle is an easy out-and-back hike in Shawnee National Forest's Hidden Springs Ranger District in southern Illinois, about 2.3 miles long with a total elevation gain of 438 feet. The trail starts at roughly 706 feet and reaches a high point of 814 feet before returning to the start, and the steepest stretch comes within the first 0.08 miles at about 7%. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is natural-surfaced. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. 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, while July and August average about 86°F. The hike takes about an hour. Pharoah Campground -Garden Of The Gods is about 1.1 miles away, and High Knob Ranch is about a mile off. Little Eagle Creek, a canoeing spot, is about 3.2 miles away, and the A: Main Area climbing area is about 5.4 miles away.

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

    Best time to visit Knights of the Golden Circle

    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, 10 mi away at 400 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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