Red Hills State Park

By: HRA Crack Research Team

In southeastern Illinois midway between Olney and
Lawrenceville on U.S. 50, Red Hills is a carefully
preserved and maintained 967-acres of high wooded
hills, deep ravines, captivating meadows and year-round
springs. It's the perfect setting for natural
relaxation and outdoor activities. The sparkling 40-
acre lake is ideal for fishing and boating.

The park is an important historical crossroad, the
western most edge of the first land in Illinois ceded
by Native Americans to the United States. The
borderline runs through the park from southwest to
northeast, and was set by a treaty made in 1795 at
Greenville, Ohio, by General Anthony Wayne whereby
Native Americans relinquished all claims to the land
northwest of the Ohio River and east of a specified
line. The area was called Vincennes Tract. The western
boundary running through the park was known as the
Indian boundary line and is marked by decided jogs
which corresponded to the original survey line.

The area was bisected by the Old Cahokia Trace,
commonly known as the "Trace Road," which ran east and
west just north of what is now U.S. 50, and was for
many years the principal route from historic Vincennes,
IN, to St. Louis and the west.

A dam constructed across Muddy Creek, a tributary of
the Embarras (pronounced "Ambraw") River in 1953
created the 40-acre lake with a maximum depth of 30
feet and 2.5 miles of shoreline.

Since then, the park has grown to its present size, and
development and improvement of its recreational
facilities has been continuous.

Trails

Eight miles of refreshing, scenic trails of moderate
difficulty wind through the park, where the vibrant
colors of redheaded woodpeckers, bluejays and wild
canaries can be seen.

Trails can be used by both equestrians and bicyclists.
Check with park staff for open dates.

A Class C equestrian campground is available. A local
Saddle Club hosts horse shows once a month from April -
October at the Red Hills Arena.

Directions
Red Hills State Park is located in Lawrence County on
US Rt #50 between Olney and Lawrenceville near the town
of Sumner.

From US Rt #41 at Vincennes, Indiana, the park is
located 18 miles west on Rt. 50.

From the junction of I-57 and Rt. 50 at Salem the park
is located 65 miles east.

From the junction of IL Rt 1 and Rt. 50 at
Lawrenceville the park is 8 miles west.

From Chicago take I-57 to Mattoon. Go east on Rt. 16 to
Charleston, then take Rt. 130 south to Olney, and
travel east on Rt. 50 to the park.

This information was compiled by the crack research
team at HorsebackRidingArticles.com. It is by no means
complete. We have tried to be as accurate as possible.

If you have first-hand experience with this trail
riding venue we encourage you to post your article
here. Tell us what's good and bad, any pointers,
directions, parking or camping information and be sure
to say which trails you like. Articles can be easily
posted using the "Submit Articles" link on the left of
every page. There is no limit.

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