Illinois · Hiking

Russell Cemetery

6.2 mi
round trip
1,019 ft
climb
803 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Russell Cemetery open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Russell Cemetery is a hard hike of about 6 miles on gravel, set within the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The trail climbs steadily, rising from about 540 feet to a high point of 803 feet before returning. The steepest stretch comes at about 2.5 miles in, with a 12% grade. Horses are allowed, and bikes are not, so plan for a walk on the gravel surface. The Forest Service manages the land, and the hike is open year-round. An estimated 2.5 hours should cover the trip. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Rosiclare show October highs around 69°F with lows near 43°F, while May runs similar at 75°F by day and 53°F at night. That station sits roughly 400 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the ridge run a little cooler. Several other trails start right around the cemetery, including Circle Rock and Thacker Ridge, each about 0.1 mile away. Pharoah Campground -Garden Of The Gods and Little Eagle Creek, both about 3 miles off, offer camping and paddling.

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

    Best time to visit Russell Cemetery

    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, 9.9 mi away at 400 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.