Illinois · Rock climbing · Simpson · Near Goreville

Manky Alcove

7 routes
5.9 – 5.11d
Sport
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Manky Alcove open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Manky Alcove is a climbing area in Illinois, set within the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest. The Forest Service manages the land, and the area sits among several other climbing spots, including Dolphin Rock Hallway, Royal Arches Wall and Rainy Day Roof, each about 0.1 mile away. Seven sport routes make up the climbs here, ranging from 5.9 to 5.11d on the YDS scale. Essence of Manky, rated 5.9, is the easiest, and Chuck-O-Rama, rated 5.11d, is the hardest. The style is sport on all of them. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Dixon Springs show highs around 70°F in April and 71°F in October, while July averages reach 88°F. Middle Falls, a hike about 0.3 mile away, and North Bluff, about 0.6 mile away, round out the nearby options. Redbud Campground - Bell Smith Springs is about 1.9 miles off.

Around this trail

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

    Primitive Campsite Jackson Falls

    Campground

    Campground · 0.4 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 Manky Alcove

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

Routes (7)