Crab Orchard is a region in Southern Illinois characterized by its diverse natural landscapes, spanning approximately 44,000 acres. The area features a variety of habitats, including oak-hickory upland forests, bottomland hardwood forests, prairies, wetlands, and several lakes. A significant portion of the region is designated as a wilderness area, preserving natural environments. These varied terrains provide a setting for several outdoor sports like hiking and road cycling.
Crab Orchard offers numerous routes across several…
15
Routes
4.8
(8)
Average rating
98
People visited

4.0
(1)
26
hikers
4.89km
01:15
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
6.28km
01:47
110m
190m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
11.1km
03:25
500m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.14km
01:25
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
riders
88.3km
04:06
700m
700m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
4
riders
35.4km
01:48
270m
270m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5
riders
77.8km
04:12
820m
820m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3
riders
39.0km
02:08
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is a 44,000-acre area in Southern Illinois. It features diverse habitats including oak-hickory forests, prairies, wetlands, and several lakes. A 4,050-acre portion is designated as a congressionally protected wilderness area.
The refuge offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, road cycling, wildlife viewing, boating, fishing, and hunting. Its diverse landscapes provide opportunities for different recreational pursuits. Visitors have rated routes in the region an average of 4.71 out of 5 stars.
Yes, Crab Orchard offers numerous hiking trails across its varied terrain. These range from gentle paths to more challenging routes through wooded areas. More information on available routes can be found in the guide Hiking around Crab Orchard.
Crab Orchard provides easy hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. These paths often traverse forests or lake shores, offering accessible outdoor experiences. For specific routes, consult the guide Easy hikes around Crab Orchard.
Crab Orchard features scenic routes for road cycling. These routes traverse the region's diverse landscapes, offering varied experiences for cyclists. Details on available cycling paths are provided in the guide Road Cycling Routes around Crab Orchard.
The refuge contains a rich diversity of habitats. These include oak-hickory upland forests, bottomland hardwood forests, croplands, brushlands, prairies, wetlands, and several lakes. A significant portion is a designated wilderness area, preserving natural landscapes.
Komoot offers several guides for the Crab Orchard region. These include Hiking around Crab Orchard, Easy hikes around Crab Orchard, and Road Cycling Routes around Crab Orchard. These guides provide detailed information on routes for various activities.
Crab Orchard is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 100 visitors sharing their experiences. Routes in the region have received an average rating of 4.71 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.
The ecological diversity of Crab Orchard supports a wide array of flora and fauna. This provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. The varied ecosystems contribute to a rich natural environment for many species.
The official website for the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The phone number for the refuge is (618) 997-3344. Inquiries can also be sent via email to CrabOrchard@fws.gov.
The Visitor Center at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is typically open Monday through Saturday. Operating hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is advisable to confirm current hours before visiting.

