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Trail of Tears State Forest
State Park Information

State Park Overview
Trail of Tears, one of Illinois state forests, is situated in western Union County, five miles northwest of Jonesboro and 20 miles south of Murphysboro. Just over 5,000 acres are within the State Forest.

The State Forest System in Illinois was established to set aside lands for the growing of timber needed in production of forest products, for watershed protection and to provide outdoor recreation. Trail of Tears State Forest is a multiple-use site managed for timber, wildlife, ecosystem preservation, watershed protection and recreation.

Nature of the Area
Trail of Tears State Forest lies within the southern section of the Ozark Hills, one of the most rugged landscapes in Illinois. The hills are composed of chert (a weathered limestone residue). Soils are shallow and susceptible to erosion. Ridge tops are narrow, rocky and dry. Clear streams with gravel bottoms are in the narrow forested valleys, hemmed in by the steep terrain.

The variety in plant communities is influenced by the terrain. Dry ridgetops and south-facing slopes have black oaks, white oaks and hickories. Extremely dry sites contain prairie-like openings (barrens and hill prairies) with a mingling of gnarled open-grown trees and shrubs like wild azalea, farkleberry and low-bush blueberry. The shaded north-facing slopes and protected coves support stands of American beech, tuliptree and sugar maple, or red oak, tuliptree and sweetgum. A rich understory of shrubs (including pawpaw, buckeyes, bladdernut and hornbeam), exists in moister sites. In stream valleys - canopy of American elm, sweetgum, tuliptree, sycamore and sugar maple over a shrub layer of redbud, deciduous holly and spicebush and thickets of wild cane (bamboo) occur. The wildflower flora of the Forests lower slopes and valleys is lush and diverse. On a walk in the spring - visitor can see many of the woodland wildflowers native to southern Illinois. In all, 620 species of flowering plants, ferns and fern allies are reported to occur at the State Forest.

There are many species of songbirds, including those restricted to large woodland tracts. Two species of poisonous snakes, timber rattlesnakes and northern copperheads, occur here. They are no danger to cautious visitors and must be left as part of the Forests natural environment indiscriminate killing of snakes is prohibited. Woodland mammals such as fox and grey squirrels, chipmunks, flying squirrels, opossums, skunks and raccoons -re common. Larger mammals known to inhabit the Forest are whitetailed deer, red and grey foxes, coyotes and the wary bobcat.

Forestry

One of Illinois two plant propagation center, the Union State Nursery, occupies 120 acres of the Forest. Approximately 10 acres of the nursery are devoted annually to growing nursery stock. The Nursery produces up to 3 million seedlings a year! Certain tree plantations within the Forest are seed sources for producing genetically superior stock.

The Forest is divided into 27 management compartments where the relationships of different timber harvest techniques to production of forest materials and their effects upon ecosystem function are studied. Although proceeds from those sales help support related programs at this and other State sites, research and education use of timber sites on the State Forest have a value far beyond any monetary gain from timber sales.

Wildlife

Woodland openings are managed to provide food and cover for upland game species and those small mammals which are important food for predators. Some areas are planted in small grains others are burned or mowed to maintain grassy habitat for nesting birds and the insects upon which they feed. Hollow trees are left for cavity-esting wildlife.

Camping

Trails
The fire trails are open all year for hiking. There are hiking trails at the Forest, including one designed for cross country running. Other trails pass through hills and valleys where one can appreciate the lush vegetation and abundant wildlife.

Horseback riding is permitted along designated horse trails. Access and trailer parking are available at the equestrian trailhead along the county blacktop road. Horseback use and horse trailer parking is not permitted on or along roads or fire trails (except where those are part of a horse trail), on hiking trails or anywhere south of the blacktop road. The horseback trails are open for use from May 1 to the first firearm deer hunting season (mid-ovember). These trails may be closed temporarily in the event of heavy rains during the riding season it is best to call the site for a current report on trail conditions (618-833-4910). A detailed map of the horseback trails is available upon request.

Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not allowed off paved or graveled roads. All terrain vehicles are prohibited. In winter and early spring, gravel roads are closed to vehicles.

Picnicking

Fishing and Hunting
Hunting

Squirrels, deer, turkey and raccoon are common game species of the Forest. Please be aware of the areas closed to hunting the Ozark Hills Nature Preserve, the restricted area around the main picnic and day-use area, within 300 yards of any building or the tree nursery beds, or within any road right-of-way. Hunters must report their harvest at registration boxes (provided at access points). Please observe all State and Federal regulations when hunting the State Forest.

History of the Area
The area was used extensively by prehistoric Native Americans. Individuals and small groups hunted game or gathered nuts within the Ozarks, but established their settlements closer to the Mississippi River or Clear Creek. Chert was mined (for making tools) at Iron Mountain, east of the Forest.

As settlers of European descent entered (around 1803), Native Americans were pushed south and west. In 1838-39 the Cherokee, Creek and Chickasaw nations were forced by the U.S. Army to move from the southeast to reservations in Oklahoma Territory. They overwintered at makeshift camps 4 miles south of the Forests southern boundary. Bitter cold and starvation claimed hundreds of lives. The cruel trek came to be known as the "Trail of Tears." The State Forests name memorializes the tragic event.

In 1929, the State purchased 3000 acres as the Kohn-Jackson Forest, later named Union State Forest. During the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp operated in the Forest. The CCC constructed many of the stonework stabilization walls and log stone shelters within the picnic area and along the Forest roads.

The Trail of Tears State Forest of today encompasses 5114 acres administered by the Division of Land Management. The nursery is operated by the Division of Forest Resources.



More Info

Iron Mountain Bed and Breakfast is a 120 acre private setting with a 14 acre lake.Imagine the
Illinois Bed and Breakfast - Trail of Tears State Forest Iron Mountain Bed and Breakfast 2360

Illinois Audubon Society is an organization that promotes the perpetuation and appreciation of
Festivals at New Salem State Park, Trail of Tears State Forest in southern Illinois and Silom


Recreation Publications Research/Surveys State Museums Search DNR Illinois [IL Search Tips] Trail of TearsState Forest South Region 3240 State Forest Road Jonesboro, IL 62952 618.833.4910 E

1838, they were forced to spend the winter in the area of what is now the Trail of Tears State Forest. Floating ice on the Mississippi River made it impossible to cross. Many died there during the

457-4921 for more information or reservations. Trail of Tears State Forest The State Forest System in Illinois was established
outdoor recreation. Trail of Tears State Forest is a multiple-use

Counties Genealogy SITB Contact Us Request Info. Links Trail of Tears State Forest 5,114 acres of rugged terrain offers picnic
6 tent, 2 RV sites. Trail of Tears State Forest833-4910 off Rt
...den Lake Bed Breakfast, Carbondale, Illinois, U.S.A. (Jonesboro) Private baths -ir conditioning, cable television. Non-smoking. Full breakfasts. Romantic getaway. Some rooms with Jacuzzis

Reports, Documents and miscellaneous. Trail of Tears Geography, Events and Timelines Trail of Tears State Forest, Jonesboro, IL Native North Americans Where they lived about 1500 AD Retrace the

National Forest Murphysboro Ranger District 221 Walnut St. Murphysboro IL 62966 HC, HT MORE INFO Trail of Tears State Forest R.R. 1 Box 1331 Jonesboro IL 62952 618-833-7910 HT Return to Top Have a

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Quilt, which will be unveiled for the first time on World Pet Memorial Day 2000, Trail of Tears State Forest Letters Ceremony, Balloons to the Bridge, Christmas Pet Angel Tree and The Pet Memorial

Trail of Tears State Forest