Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Max Creek Trail

5.4 mi
round trip
728 ft
climb
673 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Caution at last check

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 22 h ago

Is Max Creek Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Max Creek 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.

Max Creek Trail is a 5.4-mile out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. It's a moderate route with a total elevation gain of 728 feet, reaching a high point of 673 feet, and it is managed by the Forest Service. The trail's natural surface is suited to horseback riding, which is allowed, and bikes are not. 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 and August highs average in the upper 80s. The trail is open year-round and should take about two hours. The Max Creek hike starts just 0.3 miles away, and Cedar Creek is about 1.4 miles off. Oriole Boulder and The Roost, both climbing areas, lie about 5.9 miles away, and Lake Of Egypt - Buck Ridge Camping Area offers camping about 7.5 miles from the trail.

Around this trail

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

    Raganeau

    Campground

    Campground · 4.2 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Subway

    Fast food

    Open after 6
  • 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 Max Creek Trail

    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, 9 mi away at 527 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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