Illinois · Rock climbing · Simpson · Near Goreville

Big Star Wall

31 routes
5.6 – 5.12b
Sport · Bouldering · Trad
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Big Star Wall open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Big Star 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.

Big Star 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 a cluster of other climbing spots and trails, with several routes and bouldering problems within a short distance. The area has 31 routes, covering sport, boulder and trad styles, with grades ranging from YDS 5.6 up to 5.12b and V0 up to V4. Among the sport routes, Express Checkout Line (5.9) was first climbed by Eric Ulner in 1992, and Big Star (5.12b) by Jeff Frizzell. The bouldering is also well represented, with problems like Mary's Cookies (5.11d) and Get Out of My Kitchen (5.10, trad) adding to the variety. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show October highs around 71°F and April highs near 70°F, while July highs average about 88°F. Beaver Wall, Beaver Wall Right and B. E.M.J. Wall are all about 0.1 mile away, and the North Bluff hike starts just as close.

Around this trail

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

    Primitive Campsite Jackson Falls

    Campground

    Campground · 0.5 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 Big Star 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 (31)

Get Out of My KitchenFA: Leif Faber 19915.10AlaskaFA: Dan Smith, Ron Hewitt 20005.10bBirthday RouteFA: Eric and Kathy Ulner, 19925.10bDa BroFA: Mike Balossi, Jeff Stockton, 20015.10bCocoa RaeFA: Keith Adams, Dave Downey, 1998 1st Free Lead David Kessler, Jeff Frizzell, 20045.10cStingrayFA: Jeff Frizzell, 20045.10dWishboneFA: Chris Schmick (2000)5.11aConspiracy TheoristsFA: Chris Schmick 20015.11bLadybug LynnFA: Dan Smith, Shawn Watson 20005.11bMr. Allison's CookiesFA: Jeff Allison & Jim Schneider (1999)5.11cMary's CookiesFA: John Payne5.11dGalaxy 500FA: Jeff Frizzell 20045.12a/bSun RaFA: Jeff Frizzell5.12a/bBig StarFA: Jeff Frizzell5.12bUnknown Chimney (L of Birthday Route)5.6Chit ChatFA: Michael Simpson5.8Free dayFA: Phil Patz and John Hein5.8Express Checkout LineFA: Eric Ulner, 19925.9ExponentialsV-easyDuckpin CrackV0TapewormsV0MickeyV0-1The Impossible KidV1Knock FirstV1-Problem 1V1-Problem 2V1-2Both Sides of the StoryV1+The HuckV2Whisker britchesFA: Michael MartzahnV2The HugV3Low Earth OrbitFA: Kris SchmarrV4