Illinois · Rock climbing · Simpson · Near Goreville

Battle Axe Tower

11 routes
5.8 – 5.12d
Sport · Mixed
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Battle Axe Tower open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Battle Axe Tower, 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.

Battle Axe Tower 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 a cluster of other climbing spots and trails, with Exam Wall, Black Sheep Boulder and Dynasty Wall all about 0.1 mile away, and Middle Falls a similar distance off. The area has 11 routes, 10 of them sport climbs and one mixed, with grades ranging from 5.8 up to 5.12d. The hardest of these is The Flail at 5.12d, and The Reckoning is 5.12a. The Dagger is the easiest at 5.8, and Wrecking Ball is 5.12c. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Dixon Springs show May highs around 77°F and October highs around 71°F, while July and August average in the upper 80s. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs is about 2 miles away, and North Bluff is about 0.3 mile off. For a longer stay, Oak Point - Lake Glendale campground is roughly 7 miles away, and Lusk Creek offers canoeing about 8 miles out.

Around this trail

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

    Primitive Campsite Jackson Falls

    Campground

    Campground · 0.3 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 Battle Axe Tower

    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 (11)