Illinois · Hiking

Snow Cone

3.4 mi
loop
221 ft
climb
871 ft
high point
Loop
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Snow Cone open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Snow Cone is a 3.4-mile loop hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from about 641 feet to 871 feet, with the steepest stretch at 0.25 miles in, where the grade reaches 9 percent. The climb is moderate, and the route is natural-surfaced, so plan on walking rather than riding a bike. 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, while July and August average about 86°F. That station sits roughly 470 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the ridge run cooler. The trail is open year-round, and horses are allowed. Circle Rock and Thacker Ridge both start within a quarter mile, and Little Eagle Creek offers canoeing about 3 miles away. Pharoah Campground -Garden Of The Gods is about 3.1 miles off.

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

    Best time to visit Snow Cone

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