Illinois · Rock climbing · Simpson · Near Goreville

Railroad Rock

11 routes
5.8+ – 5.12c
Sport
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Railroad Rock open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Railroad Rock is a climbing area in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, about 5 miles from the Dixon Springs Agric Ctr weather station. It sits among several other climbing areas and trails, including the Railroad Rock Cliffline, Hobo Cave and North Canyon, all within about a tenth of a mile. The climbing here is all sport, with 11 routes spread across a range from 5.8+ to 5.12c. The median grade is 5.11b. Among the named routes are "Electrocutioner" at 5.8+ and "Barbarians at the Gate" at 5.12b, and "Damn Yankees" at 5.12c is the hardest. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from the nearby weather station run from highs around 70°F in April to 71°F in October, with July highs near 88°F. Redbud Campground - Bell Smith Springs is about 2 miles away, and Middle Falls is about 0.4 miles off. Paddlers can reach Lusk Creek about 8 miles away, and Oak Point - Lake Glendale campground is about 7 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 Railroad Rock

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

Routes (11)