Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Zimmer Cemetery

12.3 mi
round trip
1,016 ft
climb
806 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Zimmer Cemetery open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Zimmer Cemetery, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Shawnee National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Zimmer Cemetery is a hard out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The trail runs about 12 miles round trip, with a total climb of roughly 1,000 feet, peaking at about 800 feet. The route is rated hard, and the steepest stretch comes around the 3-mile mark, with a grade of about 9%. The trail is on natural surface and is open to horses, though bikes are not allowed. It's managed by the Forest Service, and the trip is estimated to take about 4.5 hours. The land is open year round. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 70°F in April and 71°F in October, while July highs average about 88°F. Several other hikes sit close by, including Barger Branch and Wishing Well, each within a mile. Redbud Campground - Bell Smith Springs is about 5.5 miles away, and The Forge climbing area is about 5.3 miles off.

Around this trail

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

    Bear Branch Horse Resort

    Campground

    Campground · 1.8 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Big Blue's BBQ

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 16 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Zimmer Cemetery

    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

      43° / 25°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      49° / 29°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      59° / 37°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      70° / 46°

      10 wet

    5. May

      77° / 56°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      85° / 63°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 66°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 65°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      82° / 57°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      71° / 46°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      57° / 37°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 29°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Dixon Springs Agric Ctr, IL, 9.4 mi away at 527 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.