Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Middle Falls

0.8 mi
round trip
161 ft
climb
494 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Middle Falls open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Middle Falls is an easy out-and-back hike of about 0.8 miles in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. It is managed by the Forest Service, and the trail's natural surface and gentle climb make it a short stop that pairs easily with other outings in the area. The route begins and ends at roughly 421 feet and reaches a high point of 494 feet, with a total elevation gain of about 161 feet for the round trip. That makes it an easy walk for anyone planning a longer day on foot or on horseback, as the trail allows horses. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show October highs around 71°F with lows near 46°F, while May runs about 77°F by day and 56°F at night. The trail is open year-round and takes about half an hour to complete. Climbers will find The Gallery, Applejack Wall and Yosemite Slab all about 0.1 mile away. Jackson Falls is 0.9 mile off, and Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs is 1.9 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Primitive Campsite Jackson Falls

    Campground

    Campground · 0.2 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 Middle Falls

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

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

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

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