Tunnel Hill State Trail
Tunnel Hill State Trail offers a scenic outdoor experience in Vienna, IL, ideal for dog owners wanting to enjoy nature with their pets. While detailed amenities are not specified, it provides a natural trail environment suitable for dogs and their owners to explore and enjoy.
Reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.