Illinois · Hiking

Lookout Trail

1.3 mi
loop
78 ft
climb
714 ft
high point
Loop
route
Apr, Jun–Oct
best months

Lookout Trail is a short, easy hike of about 1.3 miles in Rock Springs Conservation Area in southern Illinois, on land managed by a regional agency. The trail rises from about 677 feet to a high point of 714 feet, with a total elevation gain of 78 feet, and the steepest stretch comes early on, at about 0.18 miles in. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Decatur show May highs around 74°F and September highs around 78°F, with July the warmest month at about 85°F. The trip takes about half an hour, and the trail is close to several other routes. Woodland Trail is about 0.2 miles away and Bluestem Loop about 0.3 miles. Big Oak Loop and River Trail are each about 0.6 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Apr, Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Lookout Trail

    Best months: April and June–October. 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

      34° / 20°

      9 wet · 3 snow

    2. Feb

      39° / 24°

      8 wet · 2 snow

    3. Mar

      51° / 33°

      10 wet · 1 snow

    4. Apr

      63° / 43°

      11 wet

    5. May

      74° / 54°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      82° / 63°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 67°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      83° / 65°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      78° / 57°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      65° / 46°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      50° / 34°

      10 wet · 1 snow

    12. Dec

      39° / 25°

      9 wet · 2 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Decatur Wtp, IL, 3.3 mi away at 639 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors