Illinois · Hiking

War Bluff

1.1 mi
loop
124 ft
climb
649 ft
high point
Loop
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is War Bluff open right now?

Closure in the area

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

War Bluff is an easy hike of about 1.1 miles in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is short and gentle, with a total elevation gain of about 124 feet and a steepest stretch of about 11% grade near the start. The trail is on natural surface, and horses are allowed. Bikes are not. The route starts at about 611 feet and reaches a high point of about 649 feet before descending to about 549 feet. 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 around 69°F, while July and August average about 86°F. North Pond Trail is about a mile away, and Deer Pond Trail and Cedar Pond Trail are each about 1.2 miles off. Paddlers can find Lusk Creek about 3.8 miles away.

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

    Best time to visit War Bluff

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