Crab Orchard Wilderness Coal Haul Road
Coal country wilderness with creek crossings
The old coal haul road cuts deep into Crab Orchard Wilderness, following ridgelines where strip mining operations carved up southern Illinois coal seams through the 1960s. You’ll navigate through second-growth timber and cross Devil’s Kitchen Creek twice, passing rusted mining equipment and reclaimed strip pits now filled with surprisingly clear water. The route connects to Forest Road 402 near the Pounds Hollow area, threading between sandstone bluffs and bottomland hardwoods.
This moderate trail requires high-clearance 4WD for the creek crossings and loose shale sections. Wet weather turns the clay-based surface into a slick mess, so stick to dry conditions April through October. No permits needed in this national forest land, but dispersed camping opportunities are limited due to wilderness boundaries. The payoff is genuine solitude and a glimpse into Illinois’ industrial mining past, plus some surprisingly technical terrain for the Prairie State.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 720 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Marion, Illinois |
| Land manager | Shawnee National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need serious modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Wrangler or 4Runner is the minimum — a suspension lift helps but isn't mandatory. The creek crossings and rutted sections are what'll catch low-clearance trucks, not extreme rock obstacles. Lockers are a bonus but not required.
Is the Coal Haul Road accessible in winter or early spring?
The best season runs April through October. Winter and early spring bring frozen creek banks, ice, and mud that can make the crossings genuinely sketchy. Shawnee National Forest can also close sections after heavy rain — check with the ranger district before you go.
Do I need a permit to run this trail?
No permit is required to drive the Coal Haul Road. It falls under Shawnee National Forest jurisdiction, so standard National Forest rules apply — no fees, but follow Leave No Trace and any posted seasonal closures.
What's the hardest section, and what am I actually dealing with?
The creek crossings are the crux — water depth varies significantly with recent rainfall and can surprise you if you didn't check conditions beforehand. The road itself gets deeply rutted after wet weather, and the mixed surface transitions between loose gravel, dirt, and exposed rock. Nothing technical, but slick mud after rain earns respect.
Is there any cell service on the trail, and can I camp out here overnight?
Cell service is dead zero on this trail — download your maps offline before you leave Marion. Dispersed camping is permitted on Shawnee National Forest land outside designated wilderness boundaries, but confirm the exact rules with the Shawnee NF Ranger District since wilderness area regulations restrict overnight vehicle camping in some sections.
Trail track
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