Redbud Campground - Bell Smith Springs
Campground
Campground · 2.9 mi from the trail
Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville
Monument
- 2.1 mi
- round trip
- 123 ft
- climb
- 579 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
- Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
- best months
Is Monument open right now?
Closure in the area
There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Monument, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).
Boil Water Order at Pharaoh Campground at Garden of the Gods
Agency closure covering Shawnee National Forest · USFS · Shawnee National Forest
McClure Road Closed
Agency closure covering Shawnee National Forest · USFS · Shawnee National Forest
Lane reduction on bridge near IL Iron Furnace
Agency alert covering Shawnee National Forest · USFS · Shawnee National Forest
Failing Culvert on Oakwood Bottoms Road FSR # 786
Agency alert covering Shawnee National Forest · USFS · Shawnee National Forest
Trail Segment Closed - Lincoln Memorial
Agency alert covering Shawnee National Forest · USFS · Shawnee National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Shawnee National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Monument is a short, easy hike in Shawnee National Forest's Hidden Springs Ranger District in southern Illinois, about 2 miles from the Forest Service's trail network. The route is an out-and-back of about 2 miles, with a total climb of about 120 feet, and it is rated easy. The trail is natural-surfaced and open year-round. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. The steepest stretch comes at about 0.4 miles in, with a grade of about 5 percent. 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, and May highs around 77°F. July and August run hotter, with highs in the upper 80s. Hayes Creek and the 001V11 hike both lie about 0.7 miles away. Redbud Campground - Bell Smith Springs is about 3 miles off, and the Manky Alcove climbing area is about 3.3 miles away.
Around this trail
Add any of these when you start a tripSleep close Eat after Big Blue's BBQ
Restaurant
On your way back · 14 miIf it rains Water Fall
Attraction
In town
Places © OpenStreetMap contributors
More in GorevilleBest time to go · Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
Best time to visit Monument
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.
Jan
43° / 25°
8 wet
Feb
49° / 29°
8 wet
Mar
59° / 37°
9 wet
Apr
70° / 46°
10 wet
May
77° / 56°
10 wet
Jun
85° / 63°
8 wet
Jul
88° / 66°
7 wet
Aug
87° / 65°
7 wet
Sep
82° / 57°
6 wet
Oct
71° / 46°
7 wet
Nov
57° / 37°
8 wet
Dec
46° / 29°
9 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Dixon Springs Agric Ctr, IL, 4.2 mi away at 527 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
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