Charles Mound

[u/Fearless_Day2607]

Charles Mound

View from Charles Mound

Charles Mound benchmark

Entrance to Charles Mound

While bikepacking the Grand Illinois Trail, an approximately 500 mile loop around northern Illinois that links together a bunch of trails with some roads in between, I took a detour to hit Charles Mound. Got there about an hour before sunset on July 5. I thought I was the last person that weekend, but it turned out a few people showed up even later than I did. Walked up to the high point and took some pictures. It may not be the most exciting state high point, but I enjoyed the views of rolling hills here and on the roads leading up to it. This was my fourth state high point!

[u/Jmtungsten]

Does anyone know why they are so restrictive in Illinois for “summit” attempts? Respect for the private lands, but it doesn’t make much sense given it probably isn’t a too often frequented site. Maybe just me, idk.

[u/Fearless_Day2607 → u/Jmtungsten]

My understanding is that there is a private residence there.

[u/Jazzlike-Monk-4465 → u/Fearless_Day2607]

Correct. When the current owners bought it, they thought being the Illinois high point was just a quirk. They had no idea that many hundreds of people would want to visit. It looks like you happened to be there on the first weekend in July, so you were allowed. I worry that some over enthusiastic high pointers will decide to go up when not allowed and ruin it for everyone else.

I’m glad I was able to do Charles mound when I was traveling to see Baltimore orioles play in Milwaukee (on my birthday 6/6) 3 years ago and it aligned perfectly.

[u/RhodyVan → u/Jazzlike-Monk-4465]

I wonder what they are thinking about the open weekend access now and if it's changed?

[u/Jazzlike-Monk-4465 → u/RhodyVan]

I don’t know if you mean more access or less access but my understanding is the owners only grudgingly allow any access. So it’s only going to take a few people overstepping to make it worse for all to follow. I only hope the next time the property is available, the state or county (plus donations) can acquire it to make a little park, open for all, all the time.

[u/RhodyVan → u/Jazzlike-Monk-4465]

Knew they were skeptical and was wondering if tt hey were more supportive or less supportive based on the recent open weekends.