Illinois, United States
Hiking trails near Carbondale
11 quality-checked hiking routes are currently mapped within 40 km of Carbondale, Illinois, United States. Together their route lines cover 371 km. The average route is 33.8 km with 284 m (932 ft) of recorded ascent.
- 11
- Trails
- 40 km
- Search radius
- 3
- Easy routes
- 13.9 km
- Closest
The directory difficulty mix is 3 easy (27%), 3 moderate (27%) and 5 hard or expert (46%). 2 routes (18%) are recorded as loops. Difficulty is calculated from available distance and elevation data; it is not a statement about technical terrain or current conditions.
The most frequent route tags are river (6), mountain (3), forest (1), cave (1). The highest recorded point in this set is 260 m (853 ft). The place-level planning field lists varies by region as the preferred season; check each route and official notices for live access and weather. ADT - Illinois (South) - J - Seg 2, River to River Segment 7 - Alto Pass to Devil's Backbone, River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe currently lead this page’s directory ranking, which uses route completeness and computed route scores rather than editorial field testing.
Choose by the details
How do these routes differ?
A closer look at the first 6 routes in this page’s default ordering. These comparisons describe this sample, not the entire destination or a field-tested recommendation.
Shortest mapped distance in this sample
0.6 km
Big Rocky Hollow TrailCompare the climbing too; shortest does not necessarily mean easiest.
Lowest recorded ascent in this sample
0 m
Big Rocky Hollow Trail6 of 6 have ascent data. Missing measurements are excluded.
Return logistics
0 recorded loops
Check start and finish for every option. An unknown shape does not mean a loop, and a loop does not establish access to its start.
Plan the return journey →| Route | Distance | Ascent | Moving time | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADT - Illinois (South) - J - Seg 2 | 231 km | 1,295 m | 56 hr | Point to point |
| River to River Segment 7 - Alto Pass to Devil's Backbone | 34.0 km | 270 m | 8 hr 3 min | Point to point |
| River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe | 31.6 km | 322 m | 7 hr 33 min | Point to point |
| River to River Segment 6 - Giant City to Alto Pass | 28.8 km | 388 m | 6 hr 59 min | Point to point |
| Big Rocky Hollow Trail | 0.6 km | 0 m | 8 min | Point to point |
| Giant City Nature Trail | 2.3 km | 104 m | 38 min | Point to point |
Distances follow stored route lines; ascent and time are estimates. Current access, surface and technical difficulty need separate checks. How to turn a comparison into a shortlist.
Other places nearby
Guides around Carbondale
Frequently asked questions
Plan with more confidence
All planning articles →Choosing a route
How to choose a hike beyond the difficulty label
Compare distance, climbing, route shape and missing information to build a shortlist that fits your day.
Read article →Understanding the map
Read an elevation profile without misreading the climb
Understand total ascent, net height change, profile scale and the section breakdown on each mapped route.
Read article →Planning your day
Build a hiking time plan with room for your own pace
Separate moving time, climbing allowance and stops, then explore how changing your assumptions changes the plan.
Read article →