Spitler Woods State Natural Area

Squirrel Creek Trail

3.2 mi · ▲ 55 ft · 1 hr 6 min

Squirrel Creek Trail is a 3.2-mile out-and-back in Spitler Woods State Natural Area near Mount Zion, IL. It is mostly level, with 55 ft of elevation gain, and mostly dirt. It scores 7/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: paved and peopled.

Elevation

0 mi640 – 686 ft3.2 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Red Oak Ramble Trail 39.77914, -88.86237
Nearest town Mount Zion, IL

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Squirrel Creek Trail

3.2 mi · ▲ 55 ft · 1 hr 6 min

Elevation 639–686 ft

Out & Back · Spitler Woods State Natural Area

Trailhead: Red Oak Ramble Trail · 39.77914, -88.86237

Weather Sep 20: sunrise 6:42 AM · sunset 6:58 PM

Toilets at the trailhead · Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start on Red Oak Ramble Trail, heading SE.
  2. 0.1 miTurn right onto Squirrel Creek Trail, heading S.
  3. 1.5 miReach Squirrel Creek Trail, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  4. 1.5 miTurn left onto Red Oak Ramble Trail, heading NW.
  5. 350 ftArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Trail surface

94% dirt5% paved1% boardwalk

Weather

Sunrise 6:42 AMSunset 6:58 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.0 mi in (~26 min). Leave by 6:12 PM for the 6:58 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:38 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp. Car visible from the viewpoint

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • Toilets at the trailhead
  • Parking lot at the trailhead

More from Red Oak Ramble Trail Trailhead