Illinois · Hiking

River to River Segment 7 - Alto Pass to Devil's Backbone

River to River Segment 7 - Alto Pass to Devil's BackbonePhoto: USDAgov, Public Domain Dedication (CC0) (via Flickr)
21.1 mi
one way
1,164 ft
climb
842 ft
high point
Point to point
route
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is River to River Segment 7 - Alto Pass to Devil's Backbone open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name River to River Segment 7 - Alto Pass to Devil's Backbone, 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.

River to River Segment 7, from Alto Pass to Devil's Backbone, is a 21-mile point-to-point hike in southern Illinois, crossing the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest. The route rises from about 390 feet to a high point of 842 feet, with a total elevation gain of 1,164 feet and a loss of 1,020 feet. The climb is rolling, but it gets steep near the end, with a 33% grade at about 18.8 miles. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Anna run to highs around 71°F in April and 73°F in October, while July highs average about 90°F. The hike takes about 7.5 hours. The Adt - Illinois (South) - J - Seg 3 trail starts right next to it. Climbers can find Sex on the Beach and Picnic Boulders within about 2 miles, and Pine Hills Campground is roughly 10 miles away.

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

    Best time to visit River to River Segment 7 - Alto Pass to Devil's Backbone

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

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors