Kinkaid Spillway Trail Guide

If you haven’t hiked the Kinkaid Spillway Trail yet, you’re missing out.

The Kinkaid Spillway Trail is a moderately rugged out-and-back hike of less than one mile located at the Kinkaid Lake Spillway near the City of Murphysboro, Illinois.

This trail offers scenic views of the spillway waterfall cascade in its multiple levels, providing additional scenic overlook opportunities.

In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting to and enjoying this area along Kinkaid Lake in Southern Illinois.

What is the Kinkaid Spillway and its History?

The Kinkaid Lake Spillway is a man-made but semi-natural spillway for Kinkaid Lake.

The spillway is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). It is considered a day-use site only but offers picnic tables, restrooms, and parking. There is absolutely no alcohol allowed at this site.

The site features a multi-level spillway coming from Kinkaid Lake. Each level provides a unique view of the cascade and the scenic overlook of the picnic area in front of it.

Kinkaid Lake is a man-made lake and was created in the 1960s to provide water to Jackson County, Illinois.

The area is now a local “swimming hole,” fishing spot, and is also home to a hiking and mountain biking trail that takes you into the Shawnee National Forest.

How to Get to the Kinkaid Spillway

Getting to the Kinkaid Spillway is very easy.

All the roads leading to the spillway are paved and in good shape. The parking lot is gravel but in good shape. Any vehicle should be able to reach this area.

From Carbondale, take Highway 13 and head north to Murphysboro. Drive a few miles outside of Murphysboro (west) and turn right onto Spillway Road right after you cross the Big Muddy River. Take this road to the end to reach the Kinkaid Spillway.

Do note that people do live on Spillway Road. Please drive carefully and respect other drivers on the road.

Keep in mind that this road may not get a lot of attention during the winter in terms of ice and snow removal.

There is enough parking for dozens of vehicles. There are some picnic tables, and a vault toilet is provided.

The Kinkaid Spillway trail is unmarked and not officially maintained. It simply follows the bluffs to the left of the spillway, and there is a well-used path you’ll take, which will require you to scramble on rocks the higher you wish to go.

This site allows you to drive in and stay in your vehicle, still enjoying the area if you’re handicapped or unable to access it on foot.

Kinkaid Spillway Points of Interest

When you first arrive, you’ll notice a small parking area by a locked gate before you get to the spillway. It’s on your left. Go past that gate and up the road to get to the trail that takes you to the beach picnic area. I’ll be creating a guide for that trail shortly.

After parking in the main parking lot, you’ll notice the bottom pool of water right past the picnic area. People like to fly fish in that area.

If you take the left bluff area up, you can get on each level of the spillway cascade to see a different view of the waterfall.

While people play in this waterfall, please note that it’s not considered a legit swimming hole, so doing it is at your own risk. There are no lifeguards, either.

If you keep going up the spillway, you’ll eventually make it to the top.

Safety and Area Regulations

There are some important safety tips and area regulations to consider when visiting Kinkaid Spillway.

1. Alcohol is not allowed in this area.
2. This area is for day-use only. Camping and overnight parking aren’t permitted.
3. Venomous copperhead and timber rattlesnakes occur in this area. It is illegal to handle, harm, or collect snakes here.
4. There are no lifeguards present. Swim at your own risk.
5. Phone signal may be spotty. Tell someone where you’re going before you go.
6. There is no drinking water at the location. Bring plenty of drinking water and a snack.
7. Illinois State Police and IDNR Law Enforcement periodically patrol this area.
8. Fishing is allowed, but you must have a valid Illinois fishing license.
9. Fireworks and fires outside of provided grills are prohibited.
10. In the event of an emergency, call 911. The nearest hospital is in Murphysboro, Illinois.

Lodging, Dining, and Nearby Activities

There are numerous places to stay, eat, and enjoy throughout the Kinkaid Spillway area.

For lodging, explore the numerous cabins and Airbnb locations throughout Jackson County.

Visit Murphysboro for really good places to eat and snack.

For other activities, check out Kinkaid Lake, Murphysboro State Park, and Little Grand Canyon if you’re looking for something more challenging to hike.

Be sure to stay, eat, a shop at mom-and-pop businesses for a better and more unique Southern Illinois experience.

Final Thoughts About Kinkaid Spillway

Kinkaid Spillway is a pretty fun spot to visit, especially after we’ve had some rain. It can dry up fast during periods of no rain, but it’s still a cool place to visit because of the bluffs, nonetheless.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you visit Kinkaid Spillway? Hike, fish, bike, or something else? Reply in the comments below!

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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!

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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Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!