Happy Hollow Trail Guide

The Happy Hollow Trail is located at Ferne Clyffe State Park in Johnson County, Illinois.

This trail, which is one of the longest and most moderately rugged within the park, is a favorite among hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. Its diverse user base adds to the charm of the trail, and there are many things to see while using it.

This trail is moderately rugged, with creek crossings, rolling hills, rocky terrains, and steep sections.

In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about hiking the Happy Hollow Trail at Ferne Clyffe State Park in Southern Illinois.

 

Happy Hollow Trail Overview

The trail is right under 5 miles long and a loop trail. The sign at the trailhead depicts more mileage, but that is only if you go outside of the loop and to the other trails within this system.

This trail’s difficulty level is Moderately Difficult. It features creek crossings, rocky terrain, and rolling hills.

My average moving time for this trail is around 2.5 hours. However, we like to stop and look around at the natural features the trail has to offer. We’ll usually take around 3.5 to 4 hours to complete this loop trail.

The total elevation gain for this loop is 547 feet. While there are some rolling hills, they aren’t too difficult to manage on foot.

 

Getting to the Happy Hollow Trail

Getting to the Happy Hollow Trail at Ferne Clyffe State Park is very easy.

• For the best directions from Marion, Illinois, see this Google Maps Link.
• For the best directions from Chicago, Illinois, see this Google Maps Link.
• For the best directions from St. Louis, Missouri, see this Google Maps Link.
• For the best directions from Evansville, Indiana, see this Google Maps Link.
• For the best directions from Nashville, Tennessee, see this Google Maps Link.

Once you enter the park (there is only one way in and out), drive until you reach the T-intersection. Turn LEFT and go down the hill, passing the lake on your left. Go RIGHT at the fork, past the lake. The first parking lot on your LEFT will be the trailhead.

There is no sign at the parking lot. It’s a few feet down the trail, which you’ll see from the lot. The parking lot can fit around 4-8 vehicles. There are picnic shelters up the road to park at in case there isn’t enough room. Parking and using the trail are free, and no permit is required for day use.

Ferne Clyffe State Park is known to close the gates to the trails during winter conditions where snow and ice has fallen. Prepare for the area to be closed during wintry conditions. Many sections in this area will be open for hunting during bow and firearm hunting seasons. Please wear orange and use caution if you visit during hunting seasons.

 

Hiking the Happy Hollow Trail

The Happy Hollow Trail is a lollipop loop route, with the small beginning/ending portion being an out-and-back.

I suggest you hike this trail in a counter-clockwise manner to alleviate some of the hill climbing.

The trail’s terrain and surface are moderately rugged. You’ll cross creeks, hike rolling hills, walk on roots and rocky surfaces, and get close to steep-grade cliffs. Please use caution when around the tops of cliffs.

The trail will be muddy during wet or wintry conditions. Some parts of the trail could be flooded during rainy conditions. If the rock is wet, it will likely be very slick. If we’ve had a lot of rain, the creeks may be impassable.

At the start of the trail, you’ll come to a creek to cross. The creek, with its scenic beauty and photogenic views, sets the tone for the rest of the trail. As you continue hiking, you’ll enjoy the views of various wildlife food plots, which you might see deer eating. You’ll enjoy various views of the bluff and even see the top and bottom of a large natural bridge. As you hike back, you’ll enjoy numerous creek crossings and even see left-behind homesites.

While the creeks will be difficult to cross, if you visit when it’s very wet, there are several waterfall opportunities right off the trail near the creeks.

There are many wildflowers and wild mushrooms to view while on the Happy Hollow Trail during their seasons. This is one of our favorite mushroom-viewing trails. We also love to visit this trail to look for beautiful spider lilies. Remember to look but not disturb the flora and fauna within the park.

This trail can be challenging, especially when wet or during wintry conditions. It’s crucial to use caution as dangerous conditions exist within the park. Your safety is your top priority, so please be mindful of the potential risks.

 

Navigating the Happy Hollow Trail

There are a few resources for maps and routes of the Happy Hollow Trail. You can use All Trails or the Hiking Project. There are no brochures available at the trailhead. I highly recommend you use one of the apps above, as there will be trail intersections and a lack of signage.

It’s best to visit this trail during the leaf-off seasons as long as it’s not firearms hunting season. Winter or early spring would be best. During the summer months, some parts of the trail may be overgrown, and you’ll encounter a lot of spider webs across the trail.

 

Recommended Gear and Clothing

Bring some basic hiking gear with you. This should include your backpack, a first aid kit, emergency shelter, compass, battery pack charging cord for your phone, and a flashlight.

Bring plenty of snacks and water. Bring more snacks and water than you’ll need just in case you get stranded or lost and need to replenish your energy and fuel.

Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes. Some creeks may require you to get your feet wet, so you might want to bring some water shoes just in case.

Wear comfortable hiking clothing that wicks moisture and keeps you dry. Avoid cotton, denim, or leather. Wear clothing made of nylon, polyester, spandex, or Merino wool. Pack a few extra layers if it’s cold and a rain suit if there is a chance of rain.

 

Safety Recommendations for Hiking

The weather can change at any time while hiking along the Happy Hollow Trail. Southern Illinois is no stranger to severe weather, including tornadoes, flash flooding, hail, and heavy snow. Check the forecast before you go and plan accordingly.

Always tell someone where you’re hiking before you go, and try not to hike alone if you can. Check out my group, Southern Illinois Hiking & Outdoor Recreation, on Facebook to find hiking buddies in your area.

Some of the wildlife you may encounter on the trail includes but are not limited to deer, skunks, raccoons, opossums, bobcats, coyotes, squirrels, and snakes. Venomous copperhead snakes do occur in this area.

Much of the trail is shared between hikers and horseback riders. If you encounter a horseback rider, please yield for the rider while talking to them in a calm voice. This lets their animal know that you’re not a threat. Not saying anything could spook the animal and buck the rider off or charge you.

Be sure to include an emergency contacts card with you just in case you’re found, and someone needs to be contacted.

This is a day-use-only trail.

Poison ivy occurs in this area. Mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies occur in this area.

There are dangerous cliffs along the trail. Please use caution around them. People have fallen to their deaths while visiting this park. Please put safety first and always watch your step.

 

Additional Resources for this Trail

For official information, please see the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website for Ferne Clyffe State Park.

 

Nearby to the Happy Hollow Trail

There are many other trails to enjoy in Ferne Clyffe State Park besides the Happy Hollow Trail. I definitely recommend Blackjack Oak Trail, which has beautiful overlooks and bluffs. You can also enjoy the park’s nature preserve, Round Bluff. There are many things to do and enjoy in this state park. You could spend the whole weekend hiking here.

Camping is available in Ferne Clyffe State Park. Full-hookup, primitive, backpacker, and equestrian campsites are available. You can reserve most of these sites online. Cabins and a rental property are nearby. For dining, I recommend Whiffle Boy’s Pizza in Goreville. Food is also available at the local gas station and a Dollar Store.

If you’re into cycling, there is an unmaintained bike trail in front of the state park entrance that goes towards Goreville. Tunnel Hill State Trail is also nearby, which features 55+ miles of pristine biking and hiking rail trail.

 

User Reviews of the Happy Hollow Trail

Personally, I really enjoy the Happy Hollow Trail. I recommend hiking it if you enjoy moderately rugged trails. This isn’t for beginners or people with mobility problems. While we enjoy hiking this trail during all seasons, leaf-off will be the best time to do it to avoid ticks and spider webs. My only complaint is that cedar tree removal operations have made some of the trails look as if a tornado went through, which isn’t very scenic. Other than that, I have no complaints about this trail.

The general reviews online of this trail are fairly received. For the most part, most reviewers enjoy this trail. They report that there are some overgrown areas and that the creek crossings can be a challenge. Most people recommend that you start hiking early in the day and wear sturdy footwear.

Please leave a comment below, letting us know what you think of the trail after you hike it. Your comments can help other hikers understand what they’re getting into.

Watch the videos for this trail!

Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area.

Check out the trail gallery!

Enjoy these photos taken around this area!

Final Thoughts About the Happy Hollow Trail

Thank you for reading my Happy Hollow Trail Guide. This trail is among my top three at Ferne Clyffe State Park. I definitely recommend checking it out, but again, I want to stress that it is moderately difficult and not exactly rated for beginners.

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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!

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