Illinois · Rock climbing · Simpson · Near Goreville

Hobo Cave

13 routes
5.7+ – 5.13b
Sport · Trad
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Hobo Cave open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Hobo Cave is a climbing area in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. It sits among a cluster of climbing spots, with Big Star Wall Left and Railroad Rock Cliffline both about 0.1 mile away, and the North Bluff hike just as close. The area has 13 routes, with 10 of them sport climbs and 3 trad. The grades run from 5.7+ up to 5.13b, with the median at 5.11c. Among the named routes are Frigid Digit at 5.10b, Animal Husbandry at 5.12c, and Hobo Station (Closer to the Edge) at 5.13b. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 77°F and October highs around 71°F, while July and August average in the upper 80s. Middle Falls is a hike about 0.4 mile away, and Redbud Campground - Bell Smith Springs is about 2.2 miles off. Paddlers can reach Lusk Creek, roughly 8 miles away.

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 Hobo Cave

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

Routes (13)