Primitive Campsite Jackson Falls
Campground
Campground · 0.3 mi from the trail
Illinois · Rock climbing · Simpson · Near Goreville
What John Payne Doesn't Know
- 5.12a/b
- grade
- Sport Bolted
- style
- Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
- best months
Is What John Payne Doesn't Know open right now?
Closure in the area
There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name What John Payne Doesn't Know, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).
Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area temporarily closed due to road work
Agency closure covering Shawnee National Forest · USFS · Shawnee National Forest
Boil Water Order at Pharaoh Campground at Garden of the Gods
Agency closure covering Shawnee National Forest · USFS · Shawnee National Forest
McClure Road Closed
Agency closure covering Shawnee National Forest · USFS · Shawnee National Forest
Lane reduction on bridge near IL Iron Furnace
Agency alert covering Shawnee National Forest · USFS · Shawnee National Forest
Failing Culvert on Oakwood Bottoms Road FSR # 786
Agency alert covering Shawnee National Forest · USFS · Shawnee National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Shawnee National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
One of the hardest routes catalogued at Black Sheep Boulder, where climbs range from 5.10b to 5.12a/b.
Around this trail
Add any of these when you start a tripSleep close Eat after If it rains Water Fall
Attraction
In town
Places © OpenStreetMap contributors
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Best time to visit What John Payne Doesn't Know
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.
Jan
43° / 25°
8 wet
Feb
49° / 29°
8 wet
Mar
59° / 37°
9 wet
Apr
70° / 46°
10 wet
May
77° / 56°
10 wet
Jun
85° / 63°
8 wet
Jul
88° / 66°
7 wet
Aug
87° / 65°
7 wet
Sep
82° / 57°
6 wet
Oct
71° / 46°
7 wet
Nov
57° / 37°
8 wet
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.
