Mississippi River Palisades Limestone Quarry Historic Circuit
Historic quarry roads above the mighty Mississippi
These forgotten quarry roads climb the Mississippi River bluffs north of Savanna, following routes carved by Italian stonemasons who supplied limestone for Chicago’s post-fire reconstruction. The main access follows the old Chicago & North Western spur line grade before branching onto quarry benches 300 feet above the river. Dead Horse Hollow marks the steepest climb, where teams of horses hauled stone blocks down grades so severe that accidents were common enough to name the place.
Moderate difficulty with rocky sections and seasonal washouts requiring high-clearance vehicles. Spring can bring muddy conditions while fall offers the best traction and colors. No permits needed but respect private property boundaries marked along the route. The payoff is commanding views of Pool 13 and the chance to explore abandoned quarry pits where you can still find perfectly cut limestone blocks abandoned when the Chicago market shifted to Indiana stone.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 847 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Savanna, Illinois |
| Land manager | Illinois Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this without modifications?
Yes. Stock high-clearance rigs handle this fine — the rocky quarry sections want decent ground clearance and all-terrain tires, but nothing here requires a lift or lockers. A bone-stock Subaru Outback would struggle; a stock Wrangler or 4Runner won't.
When does the trail typically close, and is it passable after heavy rain?
The trail runs April through November. After significant rain, the dirt sections turn to slick Illinois clay and get greasy fast — give it 48 hours to drain before you run it or you'll be sliding around more than you want.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to run this trail?
No permit required. The trail runs through Illinois DNR-managed land, and there's no entry fee. Standard Illinois outdoor regulations apply — pack out what you pack in.
What's the hardest section, and what does it actually demand from the driver?
The exposed limestone quarry shelf sections are the crux — loose rock, off-camber shelf road, and uneven ledges that want you paying attention. Nothing technically extreme, but it's not a place to be half-awake or distracted by the river views.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there any water on trail?
Savanna, Illinois is your last fuel stop before the trailhead — fill up there. There's no reliable water source on trail, and cell service is spotty throughout, so load your maps offline and carry all the water you need before you roll in.
Trail track
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