Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail Guide

Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail is a multi-use, out-and-back trail located on Kinkaid Lake in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois.

The hike is around 7.6 miles. This is an out-and-back trail that requires you to hike a long trail and then connect with a shorter one to the beach. It is moderately rugged with some rock scrambles, rolling hills, and creek crossings.

In this guide, you can expect a full itinerary on how to hike the Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail in the Shawnee National Forest.

What is the Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail?

The Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail is a trail system located within the Kinkaid Lake Trail system in the Shawnee National Forest near Murphysboro, Illinois.

The trail starts at the top of Crisenberry Dam, often called Kinkaid Lake Spillway. While the spillway was never intended to be a recreational area, it has since become a popular spot for picnicking, water play, fishing, and hiking. The trail follows alongside Kinkaid Lake, a 2,700+ acre lake created in the 1960s for drinking water.

There is no historical information available on the beach area, except that it was no longer maintained and subsequently became abandoned, overgrown with undergrowth. However, the area remains a designated picnic area. The area is designated for day use only, and camping is not permitted at this location.

You can reach the Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail and picnic area by hiking or horseback riding the trail. The trail is also designated for mountain biking, and users are reminded to share the trail and yield to horses. You can also access the area by watercraft, but please note that there is no “No Wake” restriction on this lake.

There is a roadway that goes to the beach and picnic area. However, this road runs through private property, and only the US Forest Service has a permit to pass through it. You’ll need to hike, bike, ride, or boat to this location to visit.

How to get to the Buttermilk Hill Beach Trailhead

Reaching the Buttermilk Hill Beach Trailhead is straightforward, but there are a few key details to note.

You can reach the trailhead by taking Hwy-149 west for 6.25 miles from Murphysboro, then turn north onto Spillway Road and go 1.5 miles. The road dead-ends at Crisenberry Dam gate. The trail can be accessed just north of the gate by walking up the hill and going left into the woods.

All roads leading to the trailhead are paved, smooth, and wide enough for any sort of vehicle. The parking areas (one by the gate and the main parking by the spillway) are gravel and can hold many vehicles. Some of these roads and parking areas may not receive much attention or treatment during winter precipitation and may also flood if we’ve had a lot of rain.

There are some amenities available at Buttermilk, including a pit toilet. There are picnic tables near the spillway. The beach itself has a pit toilet, multiple picnic tables, and boat docks. The spillway area and beach are for day-use only. Alcohol is prohibited. The area is often patrolled by Illinois State Police, Conservation Law Enforcement, and Forest Service Law Enforcement.

How to Hike the Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail

To hike the Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail, check out the information below.

This hike can be found on All Trails, Trail Forks, Gaia, and OnX Hunt. Offline map access may be required due to lack of cell phone data.

After parking, walk past the gate and proceed up the paved road to the top of the hill. When you reach the top, a levee road will be to your right. Go into the woods to the left. That is where the trail starts and ends (an out-and-back trail).

Take Buttermilk Hill Trail for several miles until you reach the road (four-way junction). Turn right and hike a short distance to the Buttermilk Hill Beach. Follow the trail back once you’re ready to return.

The mileage out-and-back is around 7.6 miles in length. The total elevation gain is right under 800 feet.

This trail has rolling hills, rock scrambles, and creek crossings. During the warmer months, several sections of the trail will be overgrown and difficult to navigate. In the cooler months, the trail is easy to hike.

Please ensure you share the trail. Mountain bikers should yield to hikers and equestrians. Everyone should yield to equestrian users.

Points of Interest Along the Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail

There is a lot to see and look at while hiking the Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail.

The spillway, of course, is a main feature. It’s a cascade of waterfalls with a trail beside it showing you each level. People enjoy picnicking, fishing, and swimming in the water at this spot.

There are some nice bluffs and boulders along the trail. The creeks are very scenic. There are beautiful views of the Kinkaid Lake along this trail, as well.

The old beach isn’t much to look at. However, the picnic area is beautiful with tables spaced out. You can see the jumping rocks across the lake and various watercraft enjoying the area.

The trail is best used for hiking. However, you might also enjoy using the trail for mountain biking, too. I recall mountain biking the trail about 10 years ago and having a great time doing it.

Hazards and Safety Tips for this Trail

There are several important safety tips and hazards to be aware of while using the Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail.

Venomous timber rattlesnakes and copperheads occur in this area. It is unlawful to harm, handle, or collect any snake in this area without a permit. If you see a snake, give it plenty of room and simply move around it.

There are some hazardous plants, including poison ivy and stinging nettle. There are many biting bugs present, including ticks, gnats, horseflies, mosquitoes, and black flies. Use plenty of repellent when visiting.

There is many slip, trip, and fall hazards present in this area. The lake could also be a hazard for some, and there are no lifeguards present. Please exercise caution and use common sense when visiting the area. Please watch your children and pets thoroughly.

This area is designated for day use only, and camping is strictly prohibited.

You must wear a life jacket or have one available if using a watercraft. Illinois Conservation Law Enforcement does have inspections on this lake.

It is recommended that you wear a helmet when mountain biking in this area.

This area is rugged a hilly. This is not an easy walk in the park. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water and snacks, and make sure you’re physically fit to use the trail system.

The nearest hospital is in Murphysboro, Illinois. Call 911 for emergency situations. However, cell phone data may be unavailable in this area.

Tell someone where you are going before you visit and try not to hike alone.

Lodging, Dining, and Other Recreational Opportunities Nearby

There are many great opportunities for lodging, dining, and other adventures nearby to the Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail.

For lodging, camping is available is Lake Murphysboro State Park, Johnson Creek Campground, and Kinkaid Lake Marina. There are other Airbnb and Cabin options in the areas, as well.

For dining, check out Crazy Joe’s Fish House, Kinkaid Bar and Grill, or visit Murphysboro for more eats, sweats, and treats. A few of our favorites are Martel’s Pizza and Small Town Scoop.

For other things to do in the area, be sure to visit the Kinkaid Lake Spillway close by. You might also like Little Grand Canyon and LaRue Pine Hills Snake Road.

Final Thoughts

The Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail is a fun and adventurous trail. I would give it a 4 out of 5-star rating for the sights to see and the hiking experience. I definitely recommend doing it, but during cooler months for a better experience.

Please comment below if you do this trail. Let me know what you think of it.

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Watch the videos for this trail!

Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area.

Check out the trail gallery!

Enjoy these photos taken around this area!

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