Illinois · Hiking

Whoopie Cat

Whoopie CatPhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
7.5 mi
round trip
1,109 ft
climb
552 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Whoopie Cat open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Whoopie Cat is a hard hike of about 7.5 miles in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The trail is an out-and-back with a total elevation gain of 1,109 feet and a high point of 552 feet. It is managed by the Forest Service. The route has a steepest stretch of about 12 percent at roughly 2.7 miles, and the total climb makes it a demanding outing. Horses are allowed, and bikes are not. The trail surface is natural. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run highs around 75°F in May and 69°F in October, while July and August average highs near 86°F. The hike takes about three hours. It is open year-round, and Tower Rock campground sits about 5.6 miles away. Buck Creek and Empire Mine are both about 6.1 miles off. Camp Cadiz Campground is about 7.6 miles away.

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

    Best time to visit Whoopie Cat

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