Tunnel Hill State Trail - Vienna, IL
Tunnel Hill State Trail – A Dog-Friendly Adventure in Vienna, Illinois
Tunnel Hill State Trail is a must-visit outdoor destination for pet owners seeking dog-friendly hiking in Vienna, Illinois. Spanning over 90 miles of shaded and scenic fine gravel trail, this pet-friendly space is perfect for both casual walks and longer hikes. Dogs are welcome to join you for a stroll, making it an ideal spot for residents and visitors searching for a dog park experience in Southern Illinois that blends natural beauty with accessibility.
The trailway offers a flat, peaceful route for walking, biking, and exploring the lush wetlands and forests of the area. Amenities include picnic tables, barbecue grills, public restrooms, and a playground for children, making Tunnel Hill a family-friendly choice. The path is wheelchair accessible with on-site accessible parking, and there are frequent shaded areas throughout the trail. Rest stops in nearby towns, occasional wildlife sightings, and historical markers enhance the experience for all ages—dogs included!
FAQ – Tunnel Hill State Trail
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are welcome on the trail.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must be leashed while on the trail.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the trail is mostly shaded and there are covered picnic areas available.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms are available at both Vienna and Karnak trailheads.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, both the parking lot and portions of the entrance/trail are wheelchair accessible.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, picnic tables and barbecue grills are available for public use.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the main attraction is the extensive 90+ miles of pet-friendly hiking and biking trails.
- Are there activities for kids? Yes, a playground, slides, and swings are available on site.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, bringing bug spray is recommended due to local pests.
Reviews
Loved the trail! Nice long easy ride almost entirely shaded. My only complaint is a couple of trees down across the trail just north of the tunnel. I sure hope they get them moved before my return trip tomorrow. The first one was a real challenge to get the bikes around.
This trail is a whole experience. It’s chill, scenic, and just the right mix of nature, small-town charm, and “okay, my legs are officially done.”
The star of the show is obviously the tunnel. It’s long, dark, and a little spooky in the best way. You go in and immediately start questioning all your life choices—like not bringing a flashlight. It’s cool though, because it feels like you’re on an adventure… or in a very slow-paced thriller.
The trail itself is mostly flat and super peaceful. You’ll pass through cute little towns where you can grab a snack or just stretch and people-watch. You’ll also meet some hardcore cyclists zooming past like they’re in the Tour de Southern Illinois.
If you’re walking or just doing a short ride, it’s still worth checking out. Great views, lots of shade, and enough random old bridges and ghost-town scenery to keep things interesting.
Tips if you go:
Bring water. Trust me.
A bike light or headlamp for the tunnel = clutch.
Don’t be weird—say hi to people. It’s a friendly trail.
Great resource for walking and biking. Beautiful place. I will be taking advantage of this every time we stop in. Thank you Illinois!! I was also thrilled to mark off another Trail of Tears historical marker. BRING BUG SPRAY!!!!
Super trail for beginners or expert cyclists. We traveled from Vienna south to Karnak, but the wetland center was only a couple more miles. It was about a 22 mile trip down and back. The trail was an old railroad bed formatted for bikes..some rocky areas but mostly easy biking. Nice bridges over creeks were also on the route. I did see one snake on the trip. There are wetlands and forest areas on both sides. Karnak and Vienna both have bathrooms and fresh water.
The entire Tunnel Hill Trail is ninety miles of fine gravel. My road bike fared well on this surface. Wildlife abounded yesterday when I went. I saw two rabbits and two white-tailed deer literally on the trail–I saw a few rabbits and deer that were off the trail a bit, too. The trail is well shaded the whole length. The segment between Vienna and Tunnel Hill is very scenic and had noticeably higher traffic than the rest of the trail.