Illinois · Hiking

Rock Creek

2.0 mi
round trip
368 ft
climb
568 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Rock Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Rock Creek is a 2-mile out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises to a high point of 568 feet, with a total elevation gain of 368 feet over the course of the round trip. The climb is back-loaded, with the steepest stretch at about 0.09 miles in, where the grade reaches 15 percent. The route is rated easy, and the trail surface is natural. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. The trip takes about an hour, and the trail is open year-round. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Rosiclare show May highs around 75°F and October highs near 69°F, with lows in the 40s. That station sits about 170 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the ridge run a little cooler. Nearby, Camp Cadiz Campground is about 1.4 miles away, and Coghill Cemetery is about 1.3 miles off. Cadiz and Pine Ridge-Pounds Hollow are both within about 3.5 miles.

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

    Best time to visit Rock Creek

    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

      41° / 22°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      46° / 25°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      56° / 33°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 43°

      11 wet

    5. May

      75° / 53°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 62°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 65°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      86° / 63°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      80° / 55°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      69° / 43°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      56° / 33°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      45° / 26°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Rosiclare 5nw, IL, 10.3 mi away at 400 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.