Illinois · Hiking

White Pine

White PinePhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
5.8 mi
round trip
1,245 ft
climb
779 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is White Pine open right now?

Closure in the area

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

White Pine is a 5.8-mile out-and-back hike in Shawnee National Forest, within the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of southern Illinois. The trail climbs steadily to a high point of about 779 feet, with a round-trip elevation gain of roughly 1,245 feet. The climb is moderate, and the trail's natural surface makes it suitable for horses, though bikes are not allowed. The route begins at the White Pine Trailhead, which is open year round. Plan for about 2.5 hours on foot, and note that the trail's steepest stretch comes around the 2.6-mile mark at about 16% grade. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Anna show October highs near 73°F with lows around 48°F, and April is similar at about 71°F and 46°F. Pine Hills Campground sits about 1.8 miles away, and the Godwin and Bridgeman hikes are both within 3 miles. For paddling, Clear Creek is about 5.6 miles off.

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

    Best time to visit White Pine

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

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