Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Wolf Den Hollow Loop

2.6 mi
round trip
607 ft
climb
668 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Wolf Den Hollow Loop open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Wolf Den Hollow Loop, 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.

Wolf Den Hollow Loop is an out-and-back hike of about 2.6 miles on natural surface in Shawnee National Forest's Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District in southern Illinois. It's a hard route, with a total climb of about 607 feet up to a high point of 668 feet, and the steepest stretch comes roughly a mile from the trail's start. The trail is open year-round and is estimated to take about an hour. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not, so plan for a walk or a ride on horseback rather than on two wheels. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Anna put October highs around 73°F and April highs near 71°F, while July averages about 90°F. Climbers will find Cove Hollow about 0.4 miles away and Moon Rock about 0.7 miles off. Cedar Lake Trail is also about 0.7 miles away. Little Cedar Loop lies about 2 miles out.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Horse Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 6.5 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    McDonald's

    Fast food

    Open after 6

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Wolf Den Hollow Loop

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