Franklin County Rend Lake Spillway Coal Haul Circuit
Coal haul roads around Illinois power generation history.
The Rend Lake Spillway Coal Haul Circuit follows a network of industrial roads built to serve the now-demolished Southern Illinois Power Cooperative plant. Starting at the spillway overlook, you’ll trace abandoned Norfolk Southern rail spurs and Peabody Coal haul roads that once carried unit trains loaded with Illinois basin coal. Key waypoints include the concrete foundations of Conveyor Bridge #3 and the flooded Zeigler #11 strip pit, where massive draglines worked 24/7 during the plant’s peak years.
This easy-moderate route suits any high-clearance vehicle, though spring mud can challenge stock rigs. The 31-mile loop combines gravel county roads with gated utility access tracks—respect private property signs. Fall colors peak in October when the hardwood bottoms explode in reds and golds. Excellent car camping at Rend Lake State Recreation Area, plus boat ramps for fishing the 18,900-acre impoundment created to cool the power plant that’s no longer there.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 31 mi / 49.9 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 485 ft |
| Best season | September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Benton, Illinois |
| Land manager | US Army Corps of Engineers |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | mvs.usace.army.mil |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock SUV or crossover handle this trail?
Yes — it's 31 miles of gravel with minimal elevation change. High clearance is recommended but a stock Tacoma, 4Runner, or similar rig handles it fine. A lifted crossover will manage too; a low-slung car sedan is the only real concern after rain.
When is the trail open and are there any weather closures?
Best season is September through November for mild temps and fall color. The trail is generally accessible year-round, but wet Illinois winters can turn gravel sections soft and muddy — call the Army Corps of Engineers office before heading out in January or February.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp here?
No permit required to drive the circuit. Dispersed camping on Army Corps of Engineers land at Rend Lake may require a free or low-cost camping pass depending on the specific zone — check with the MVS Army Corps office at mvs.usace.army.mil before you set up.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I expect?
It's an easy scenic drive — there's no genuinely technical section. The water crossings are the only variable; after heavy rain they can get soft-edged and slick. Nothing that should stop a capable vehicle, but don't blow through them fast or you'll be digging out in flat Illinois farmland with no cell service excuse to call for help.
How far is the nearest gas station and is there potable water on route?
Benton, Illinois is your fuel and supply stop — keep a full tank before you leave since there's nothing along the 31-mile circuit. Potable water is available at developed Rend Lake recreation areas nearby, but don't count on taps along the haul road itself; bring what you need.
Trail track
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