|
You've heard people talk about "seeing the light at the end of the
tunnel." In southern Illinois, at Tunnel Hill Trail, that is exactly
what you experience.
Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches about 45 miles, from
Harrisburg to Karnak. It's a trail popular among bicyclists. It's
also a microcosm of the great natural resources of this state. The
trail is built, like so many bicycle trails in Illinois, along a
former railroad right of way. The benefit to Illinois taxpayers is
that the most costly work, like building bridges over streams and
cutting through hills, has already been done. The benefit to bikers
is that the inclines are not too steep; the grade is never steeper
than 2 percent the entire way.
The trail gets its name because of the literal high point of this
biking experience: a hill with an elevation of 680 feet -- so high,
the railroad makers decided their best strategy was to tunnel
through. Today, that 543-foot-long tunnel is part of the bicycle
path.
Riders are advised to walk their bikes through it, and for good
reason. While traversing the tunnel, you can always see the light of
the other end, and yet, there's a sense of disorientation that comes
from being surrounded by darkness. Just like life, it's easy to get
lost in the darkness if you take your eyes off your destination.
If there's a light in the darkest point of this trail, there are
other high points as well. Cyclists ride over bridges with streams
rippling rapidly over rocks below. There are a total of 23 railroad
trestles to cross if you ride the length of the trail. The trestles
range in length from 34 to 450 feet. The longest is Breeden Trestle,
which is also the highest, at 90 feet.
The trail begins in flat farm country, and by its end, you have
glimpsed the crops that make Illinois a rich agricultural mecca.
Around the trailhead in Harrisburg in Saline County, you'll find
cornfields, bean fields and the occasion herd of grazing cattle.
Along the way, there's even a field (not a garden, a field) where
tomatoes grow. Travel farther, and you see evidence of one of the
newest industries of the state: winemaking. You'll bicycle past
vineyards stretching for acres and acres.
Beyond what is cultivated, the character of this trail can be
witnessed in what grows wild. The trail cuts through the Shawnee
National Forest, a showcase where each season awakens the senses.
It's an area of dense greenery in the summer and a spectacular show
of autumn's pallet in the fall. Springtime finds the area permeated
with the fragrance of wildflowers, while during winter, evergreens
break the harsh cold of wind and naked branches.
[to top of second column in this article] |
 Farther along, the trail snakes through the Cache River Wetlands.
The trees here are ancient and twisted by the forces of time.
Cypress and tupelo that have grown for hundreds of years flourish
here.
Plan to share the trail, not just with others bicycling or
hiking, but with a host of wildlife. From wild canaries to
white-tailed deer, many other creatures occupy this land. You may
even find specimens of the three poisonous snakes of Illinois: the
rattlesnake, the cottonmouth and the water moccasin.
This trail is a place where you can face your phobias, whether
you're afraid of dark confined places, high bridges or snakes. You
may find that you leave your fears behind, replaced with a sense of
wonder, once you have ventured this trail where there truly is light
at the end of the tunnel.
All the best,
Joel Brunsvold
If you go:
Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking
water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. The site
office for Tunnel Hill State Trail is located on state highway 146
on the east side of Vienna. For more information about the trail,
contact the site superintendent at Tunnel Hill State Trail, P.O. Box
671, Vienna, IL 62995; or phone (618) 658-2168.
Also from the Department of Natural
Resources:
- July 4 – Fireworks at Weldon Springs Recreation Area
- July 5 -- Last day for Illinois residents to apply for fall
shotgun turkey permits
- July 9, 8:30-10 p.m. -- Join the Astronomical Association of
Southern Illinois for exciting explorations of the night sky.
Highlights will include the moon, Venus and Jupiter.
The IDNR Division of Education now has nine
Spanish-language versions of its activity books available. Each of
these 24-page books can also be ordered in an English-language
version too. There is no charge for the items. To order, go to
http://dnr.state.il.us and
click on the "Education"
button in the right sidebar.
[Illinois
Department of Natural Resources news release] |
