How long is River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe?

River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe is 31.6 km (19.6 mi) long. Most walkers complete it in about 8 hr 7 min, not counting stops.

How hard is River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe?

It is rated hard, with roughly 695 m (2,280 ft) of total ascent. It rewards preparation. Strong legs, an early start and a weather window all make a large difference here.

How long does River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe take?

Allow around 8 hr 7 min of moving time. Add a further 30 to 60 minutes for breaks, photographs and lunch.

When is the best time to hike River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe?

April to October is the most reliable window. Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections.

Can you bring dogs on River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe?

Dog access is not formally recorded for this route. Local rules usually allow dogs on a lead, but check signage at the trailhead before you commit to the walk.

Is River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe suitable for children?

It is a stretch for younger children. At 31.6 km with 695 m (2,280 ft) of ascent, it suits teenagers and confident young walkers rather than a family stroll.

Is River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe a loop?

No. It runs point to point, so you will need transport at the far end or a plan to walk back.

River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe

Name: River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe
Address: Illinois, United States

HardIllinois · United States

GPX

Distance: 31.6 km (19.6 mi)
Elevation gain: 322 m (1,056 ft)
Typical time: 8 hr 7 min
Difficulty: Hard
Route type: Point to point
Highest point: 206 m (676 ft)

About River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe

River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe is a 31.6 km hiking route in Illinois, United States. It climbs roughly 695 m (2,280 ft) along the way. Most people take around 8 hr 7 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Treat it as a full day out: the ascent is relentless in places and there are few easy escape points.

The route follows moving water for much of its length, which keeps the gradient friendly and the soundtrack constant.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. 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 34.9 km away, which is where most people base themselves.

In short, River to River Segment 4 - U.S. 45 to Ferne Clyffe suits fit hikers with a habit of long days and an eye on the forecast. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Hard31.6 km322 m

Numbered marks every 5 km

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

Elevation profile

Ascent: +322 m
Descent: −368 m
High: 206 m (676 ft)
Low: 120 m (394 ft)

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground 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
Adventure: 49/100
Difficulty: 92/100
Accessibility: 13/100
Family: 7/100
Dogs: 70/100

Tips from the trail

Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
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
Trekking poles for the descent
Offline map and compass
Head torch and spare battery
Extra warm layer
Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
Real food, not just snacks

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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