9285 Beall Woods Avenue 
Mount Carmel, IL 62863
618.298.2442
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Located on the banks of the Wabash River in southeastern Illinois, Beall Woods State Park attracts visitors from around the world who are interested in experiencing one of the few remaining tracts of virgin timber east of the Mississippi River. At Beall Woods, visitors can see trees 120 feet tall and more than 3 feet in diameter.

Besides hiking, Beall Woods also offers visitors a quiet, relaxing setting for camping, picnicking and fishing.

Beall Woods (pronounced Bell) had a working farm owned by the Beall family since the mid-1800s with almost half of the 635 acres of forest that had never been cleared.

When Laura Beall, the last living heir, died without a will, the property went up for auction and was sold to a man who intended to cut the timber. Many individuals and organizations came together to prevent this from happening, a trial ensued and the land was purchased by the state of Illinois in 1965 by invoking the law of eminent domain against the unwilling seller. In 1966, 329 acres of old-growth forest in Beall Woods State Park was dedicated as the 14^th Illinois nature preserve by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. With this action, a piece of Illinois’ natural heritage was preserved so that future generations have the opportunity to see an example of the magnificent forest that once grew along the Wabash River.

Visitor Center

The new visitor center opened in April 2001 with educational displays focusing on the history of the area as well as Illinois' natural heritage.

Interpretive Program

The park interpreter offers a variety of nature programs at the center from April through October. Weekday programs also are available for school groups. For more information on either type of program, click here.

Picnic shelters, playground areas and pit toilets are located around the recreation portion of the lake. They are on a first come, first serve basis only.

Shaded picnicking also is available near the visitor center.

In the late 1970s, a 15-acre lake was developed to providepark visitors additional recreational opportunities and a scenic backdrop. Anglers can fish for largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. The lake also is stocked in the spring and fall for trout season. While a boat launch is located on the lake, only trolling motors may be used.

Sixteen Class C campsites with vehicular access and restrooms, but no showers or electricity, are available. A disposal station is available for camper’s use. Individuals interested in utilizing the group camground are encouraged to call the site headquarters to avoid scheduling conflicts.

No reservations are necessary for the campground. Campers are asked to set up at their chosen campsite and park personnel will come by to issue a permit.

Trails

Five established trails offer hikerd excellent views of Beall Woods' old-growth forest. From the easy 1-mile Tuliptree Trail, which features a self-guided trail brochure, to the 1.25-mile moderately easy White Oak Trail, the nature enthusiast can get a sense of what the settlers saw when they arrived at the banks of the Wabash River.

To preserve the fragile ecosystem, hikers are urged to stay on established trails. Pets, bicycles and horses are not allowed on trails. Collecting or removing any natural objects is prohibited. Depending on the season, visitors should come prepared with insect repellent.

Tuliptree Trail - An easy 1-mile upland forest trail. Several self-guided brochures featuring tree identification and spring wildflowers growing along this trail are available for visitor use and can be picked up at the trail entrance or in the visitor center.

White Oak Trail - With the exception of two flights of steps, the White Oak Trail is a moderately easy 1.25-mile trail offering hikers the greatest variety of vegetation and forest conditions. It passes over five soil types, through good examples of upland and bottomland forest and gives visitors a sense of what the settlers experienced when arriving at this part of the state. For those interested in a longer hike, the Ridgway Trail is accessed from the White Oak Trail.

Ridgway Trail - This 1.75-mile moderately easy trail is accessed from the White Oak Trail. It is a dedicated, living memorial to Robert Ridgway, one of America's foremost ornithologists (a person who studies birds), who spent his boyhood in this area. Closed periodically during flooding, this trail winds through a reforested field and features several varieties of bottomland oak and hickory trees. A combined White Oak-Ridgway Trail walk is 3 miles in length.

Sweet Gum Trail - This .50 mile easy trail follows Coffee Creek and features an interesting rock cliff. Many plants adapted to cool, moist and shady conditions thrive here. The visitor must access this trail from the park's north side. The trail is closed periodically due to flooding.

Schneck Trail - This trail is dedicated to Dr. Jacob Schneck, a pioneer Mount Carmel physician and botanist. This easy 1.75-mile trail is accessed from the park's north side and is closed periodically due to flooding.

Beall Woods is open year-round from sunrise to 10 PM.

Hunting

In an effort to reduce the negative impacts white-tailed deer are having on the nature preserve, a deer management program has been implemented at Beall Woods utilizing the archery season.

Hunter Fact Sheet

Beall Woods State Park is located in Wabash County, 6 miles south of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, on Route 1 near Keensburg.

Local Attractions

Please visit www.southeastillinois.com for information about the area.

• While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
• At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
• Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
• Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
• We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
• For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
• Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources Information (217) 782-9175 for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.