Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Little Cache

Little CachePhoto: usfs_Eastern_Region, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)
1.3 mi
round trip
149 ft
climb
660 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Little Cache open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Little Cache is an easy, short out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The route is about 1.3 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 149 feet and a high point of 660 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is on natural surface. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run from highs around 70°F in April to about 71°F in October, while July highs average 88°F. The station sits about 13 miles away and at a lower elevation than the trail. The hike works well for a quick outing or as part of a longer day. Horses are allowed, and bikes are not. The trip takes about half an hour, and the trail is open year-round. Nearby options include the Dutchman hike about 1.2 miles away, the River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe hike about 1.4 miles away, and the Lake Of Egypt - Buck Ridge Camping Area about 6 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Clad & Cordon Vineyard

    Campground

    Campground · 5.2 mi from the trail
  • 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 Little Cache

    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, 13 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

DutchmanPhoto: usfs_Eastern_Region, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Dutchman

~2 min drive

3.00-mile out-and-back trail in Illinois with 147 ft gain.

River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne ClyffePhoto: usfs_Eastern_Region, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe

~2 min drive

2.7-mile point-to-point trail connecting U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe State Park.

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

Cove Hollow Trail

~19 min drive

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

Cedar CreekPhoto: lovebycycle, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

Cedar Creek

~9 min drive

7.96-mile out-and-back trail in Illinois with 609 ft elevation gain follows Cedar Creek.

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

Cedar Lake Ranch Trail

~9 min drive

1.74-mile out-and-back trail at Cedar Lake Ranch in Illinois.

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

Jackson Falls

~20 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

~21 min drive

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

Round Bluff Nature Preserve TrailPhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

Round Bluff Nature Preserve Trail

~9 min drive

1.00-mile loop trail in Illinois with 250 ft elevation gain and loss.

HIKE

Little Black Slough Trail

~14 min drive

7.3-mile out-and-back trail in Illinois with 1,392 ft elevation gain

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

Lake Trail

~9 min drive

0.90-mile loop trail in Illinois with 374 ft of elevation gain.