Cahokia Mounds is a 3.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Collinsville, Illinois that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
One of the greatest cities of the world, Cahokia was larger than London was in AD 1250. The Mississippians who lived here were accomplished builders who erected a wide variety of structures from practical homes for everyday living to monumental public works that have maintained their grandeur for centuries.
Note: check Cahokia web site for holiday closings and hours of operation
Cahokia Mounds Visitor Center 30 Ramey Street, Collinsville, IL 62234 (618)-346-5160 (618) 398-5995
From St. Louis City and West County Take I-55/70, 64 or Highway 40 & 44 across the Poplar St. Bridge into Illinois. Follow I-55/70, not 64, to Exit 6 (Highway 111). Exit and turn right onto Highway 111 South. At stoplight make a left onto Collinsville Road. The Interpretive Center is about 1.5 miles on the right. From North St. Louis County and St. Charles Take I-270 East into Illinois to I-255. Take I-255 South (Memphis) to Exit 24, Collinsville Road. Exit and turn left onto Collinsville Road at the stoplight at the end of the off-ramp. The Interpretive Center is about 1.5 miles on the left. From Northern and Eastern Illinois Via I-55/70 Take I-55 South or I-70 West to the I-255 exit 10, just past Collinsville. Take I-255 South (Memphis) to the next Exit (24) at Collinsville Road. Exit and turn left onto Collinsville Road at the stoplight at the end of the off-ramp. The Interpretive Center is about 1.5 miles on the left. From I-64 Take I-64 East or West to I-255 North. Take I-255 North to Exit 24, Collinsville Road. Exit and turn left onto Collinsville Road at the stoplight at the end of the off-ramp. The Interpretive Center is about 1.5 miles on the left. From South St. Louis County Take I-255 across the Jefferson Barracks Bridge into Illinois. Continue on I-255 until Exit 24, Collinsville Road. Exit and turn left onto Collinsville Road at the stoplight at the end of the off-ramp. The Interpretive Center is about 1.5 miles on the left.
February 20, 2021All the snow made it a fun snow hike! And there seemed to be hundreds of deer
February 6, 2021All trails were passable because they were frozen solid. Once it warms, it will be a swamp. So much wildlife here! Highway traffic noise pollution is the only thing that keeps it from 5 stars.
February 4, 2021Great trail. It was mostly paved with a few areas of dirt. It was pretty flat but you had a chance to go off trail into the woods. We saw deer, an owl and it was just a really great area. Also learned a little history while you walked.
January 24, 2021What a great day! I tend to meander off on side trails a lot so what should have been a 3.5 mile hike turned into an 8 mile all day event. So many deer :)) Side trails were pretty muddy but easy to maneuver around. Mix of paved/packed dirt & gravel too. The interpretive Center is closed indefinitely but I did see some porta-potties.
January 24, 2021Nice long trail. Plenty of deer and historical information!
January 21, 2021pretty flat some muddy sections if you get off the main trail
January 18, 2021January 13, 2021The trail was nice there were some man made trails I also utilized. Brought my dogs and it was a nice & educating path for all. The mound steps are worth climbing. (Granted you are in decent cardiovascular shape) ... the view of saint Louis and the nature surrounding the trail up-top is really majestic.
January 9, 2021January 2, 2021The trail is mostly paved but did have some gravel paths as well. The mounds were cool but the one with the steps definitely is worth the views.
January 2, 2021December 22, 2020December 20, 2020Trekking quietly allowed me to watch dozens of deer in small groups. It was peaceful on this cold last day of fall.
December 19, 2020December 5, 2020December 5, 2020Cahokia Mounds - more than a walk in the woods. The Mounds combines a serene escape from the anxieties of 2020 with the wonder of an ancient civilization where thousands lived their lives in the largest settlement in the Mississippi basin. The trail is well marked and winds among the mounds and through wooded areas. Prehistoric sites are marked with interesting narrative. The quiet restores the soul, and if you tread softly you may come upon some of the park’s wildlife. Cahokia Mounds Trail will always be one of my favorite walks.
November 29, 2020Trail A to C and then looping back to E is fantastic! It comes out about half way through the forest into a clearing and we walked until we came upon a large group of white tail deer! They were beautiful and grazing quietly. Our dog Bear was happy to be out with us in the mud and the muck. The trails were well taken care of and trim well along the head spots. Trash areas were taken care of as well. We were happy to have a place to keep our family safely distanced were we could get out and explore.
November 11, 2020November 7, 2020November 7, 2020November 2, 2020Loved exploring this previous Indian City! The “trail” as others have said was often just grass mowed shorter, not marked (so follow the All Trails app!). Saw 17 deer! Climbing Monk’s Mound at the end was a thrill.
October 22, 2020Hike can be either very long or very short, just depends on which trail markers you follow
October 17, 2020October 15, 2020Cold but leisurely hike!
October 14, 2020Easy peasy, and a whole lotta deer! Love it!
October 10, 2020The trail is easy and good for children and pets. Some areas were not clearly marked and there is a mixture of paved and non paved areas but overall nice. The stairs are a must see and try.
October 6, 2020
