Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Little Cedar Lake

4.2 mi
round trip
552 ft
climb
550 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Caution today

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 2 h ago

Is Little Cedar Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Little Cedar Lake is a moderate hike of about 4.2 miles in the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The trail is an out-and-back with a total elevation gain of about 86 feet, and the steepest stretch comes early, at about 8% grade. The route is on natural surface, and both horses and bikes are allowed. That makes it a flexible option for riders and equestrians as well as hikers. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Anna run to highs around 71°F in April and 73°F in October, while July highs average about 90°F. Several other outings sit close by. Little Cedar Loop is about 0.6 miles away, Cedar Lake is about 1.5 miles away, and the River to River Segment 6 - Giant City to Alto Pass is about 1.8 miles away. Climbers can head to Alto Pass, about 1.9 miles off.

Around this trail

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

    Horse Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 6.1 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Havisham Bourbon Bar

    Bar

    On your way back · 2 mi
  • If it rains

    Cobden Museum

    Museum

    On your way back · 5 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Little Cedar Lake

    Best months: March–May 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

      45° / 25°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      50° / 29°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      61° / 37°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      71° / 46°

      11 wet

    5. May

      79° / 56°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      87° / 65°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      90° / 69°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      89° / 67°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 59°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      73° / 48°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      59° / 37°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      48° / 30°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Anna 2 Nne, IL, 8.7 mi away at 640 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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