Rim Rock National Recreation Trail

Area Status: Open

A wonderfully scenic trail, Rim Rock National Recreation Trail leads around the rim of a rock escarpment, hence its name. Mid-way along the trail is an opportunity to descend wooden stairs, and pass between rock slabs to reach the hollow below. Read the sign about how settlers used Ox-lot Cave before returning the way you came or take the lower trail back to the parking lot.

Rim Rock Trail is part of Pounds Hollow Ecological Area, a designated natural area with specific regulations outlined below. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the areas unique natural and historical features.

Rim Rock Brochure and Map

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	June 24, 2024 - Trail Update: Rim Rock Trail's upper trail loop and lower trails are OPEN. A portion of the Rim Rock Trail remains closed. A wooden staircase that allowed hikers to descend from the observation deck on the upper trail to the canyon and lower trails has been removed. Hikers can reach Ox-lot Cave using the lower trail that leaves the Rim Rock parking lot. This website will be updated when the repairs are complete.
Area Amenities:	Interpretive Site, Accessible, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking
Open Season:	Year-Around 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Usage:	Light
Restrictions:	General: Hiker only trail Pets are allowed only on a leash. Stay on the designated trail; Rappelling and rock climbing are prohibited Take out only what you carry in – There are no trash receptacles along trail. Dogs are not allowed on Pounds Hollow beach or in the designated swim area. Designated Natural Area restrictions: No overnight camping or campfires No collecting of plants or animals No equestrian use No rock climbing, rappelling or ATV use Natural Area boundary is marked with yellow flexible posts.
Closest Towns:	Karber's Ridge, IL 62998
Restroom:	Vault Toilets
Information Center:	Hidden Springs Ranger District (618) 658-2111

General Information

Directions:

From Harrisburg: Take Highway 34/145 south 6 miles, then continue on Highway 34 south for 9 miles. Then turn east onto Karbers Ridge Road and go 8.3 miles, then turn left into the Rim Rock parking lot and trailhead.

From Evansville, Indiana: Take Highway 62 west & continue on IL. State Route 141 to Highway 1. Go south on Highway 1 about 24 miles to Pounds Hollow Road, then west on Pounds Hollow Road 3 miles and turn right into the Rim Rock parking lot and trailhead.

General Notes:

Trail Information:
The upper loop trail is 0.8 mile. Hiking the upper and lower trail will take longer. The lower trail splits after Ox-lot Cave, with the option of going east to Pounds Hollow Lake or south back to the Rim Rock parking lot. Refer to Rim Rock brochure/map and become familiar with the trail system.

National Recreation Trail Designation:
In 1980, it was designated a national recreation trail because of its exceptional scenic beauty and historic values. To early settlers this unique formation was known as 'the Pounds,' an old English term meaning "some sort of enclosure." This is how the valley lying to the east got its name, Pounds Hollow.

Parking:

No overnight parking.