Illinois · Rock climbing · Simpson · Near Goreville

Applejack Wall

18 routes
5.8 – 5.13c
Sport · Trad
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Applejack Wall open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Applejack Wall is a climbing area in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, managed by the Forest Service. It sits among several other climbing spots and hiking trails, and the closest neighbors are all within a short distance of the wall itself. The area has 18 routes, most of them sport climbs and a few trad routes. The grades run from 5.8 up to 5.13c, with the median around 5.11d. The hardest route listed is Manhatten Project at 5.13c, and the trad route Buckets of Jam is 5.8. Climbers can pair a session here with the adjacent climbing areas of The Gallery, Black Sheep Boulder and Exam Wall, all about 0.1 mile away. For a comfortable visit, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 77°F and October highs around 71°F, while July averages reach 88°F. Nearby, the Middle Falls hike starts about 0.1 mile away, and North Bluff is 0.3 mile off. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs is about 2 miles away for an overnight stay.

Around this trail

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

    Primitive Campsite Jackson Falls

    Campground

    Campground · 0.2 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Subway

    Fast food

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Water Fall

    Attraction

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Applejack Wall

    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, 4.8 mi away at 527 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Routes (18)

Bill & Tee’s Excellent AdventureFA: Matt Bliss & Brian Capps5.10bRidin' CowgirlsFA: Jacob Teal ?5.10bUnknown5.11-Corporal PunishentFA: Eric Ulner and John Payne 19925.11aApplejack CrackFA: Eric Ulner, Miguel Balaguero 19855.11bStray DogFA: Chris Loesch5.11bAreteouffeeFA: Phillip Carrier5.11dOrionFA: Phillip Carrier5.11dExtinguisherFA: Chris Schmick 20015.12aThe ShootistFA: Eric Ulner and Greg Thomas 19925.12aIce HarvestFA: Phillip Carrier5.12bAin’t No SunshineFA: Phillip Carrier5.12cBig DogFA: Chris Loesch 20085.12dRajun’ CajunFA: Rich Bechler5.12dStalking HorseFA: Equipped by Chris Schmick, FA Brian Capps 20195.13+Extinguisher ExtensionFA: Chris Schmick 20015.13aManhatten ProjectFA: Brad Weaver5.13cBuckets of JamFA: Jim Thurmond high bouldering 19865.8