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Old River to River - Alternate Segment 6 - Giant City to Alto Pass

EasyIllinois · United States

GPX
Distance
3.3 km (2.1 mi)
Elevation gain
73 m (240 ft)
Typical time
48 min
Difficulty
Easy
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
Not recorded

About Old River to River - Alternate Segment 6 - Giant City to Alto Pass

Old River to River - Alternate Segment 6 - Giant City to Alto Pass is a 3.3 km hiking route in Illinois, United States. It climbs roughly 73 m (240 ft) along the way. Most people take around 48 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It is an easy walk that most reasonably fit visitors can finish without training.

Riverside walking means shade, birdlife and a reliable sense of direction.

It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Carbondale, about 13.9 km away, which is where most people base themselves.

In short, Old River to River - Alternate Segment 6 - Giant City to Alto Pass suits families, first-time visitors and anyone looking for a half day outdoors. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Easy3.3 km73 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • River

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Not consistently
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
43/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
19/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
10/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
78/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
69/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
70/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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Trails near Old River to River - Alternate Segment 6 - Giant City to Alto Pass

Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.

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Hawk's Cave Trail

Illinois · United States

Distance
0.8 km
/ 0.5 mi
Elevation gain
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Typical duration
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Distance
0.6 km
/ 0.4 mi
Elevation gain
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Typical duration
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