Illinois · Hiking · Panther Den Wilderness · Near Goreville

Panther Loop

2.0 mi
round trip
274 ft
climb
724 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Panther Loop open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Panther Loop, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Shawnee National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Panther Loop is a 2-mile out-and-back hike in the Panther Den Wilderness, part of the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The nearest town is Wayside, about 1.6 miles away, and the Forest Service manages the land. The trail is rated hard, with a total climb of 274 feet and a steepest grade of 19% at about 0.08 miles from the start. The route is natural-surfaced and allows horses, but bikes are not permitted. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Anna show October highs around 73°F and April highs around 71°F, while July averages about 90°F. Several other trails sit close by, including Panther Den at 0.6 miles, Den Trail at 0.7 miles and River To River Trail at 0.9 miles. Climbers can find Rubik's Cube, The about 5.9 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Devil's Kitchen Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 3.8 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Wendy's

    Fast food

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Water Fall

    Attraction

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Panther Loop

    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, 11.3 mi away at 640 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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