Site Map An Illinois State Forest Trail of Tears, one of Illinois' state forests, is situated in western Union County, five miles northwest of Jonesboro and 20 miles south of Murphysboro. Just over 5,000 acres are within the State Forest. The State Forest System in Illinois was established to set aside lands for the growing of timber needed in production of forest products, for watershed protection and to provide outdoor recreation. Trail of Tears State Forest is a multiple-use site managed for timber, wildlife, ecosystem preservation, watershed protection and recreation. Natural Features Trail of Tears State Forest lies within the southern section of the Ozark Hills, one of the most rugged landscapes in Illinois.
Soils are shallow and susceptible to erosion.
Ridge tops are narrow, rocky, and dry. Clear streams with gravel bottoms are in the narrow forested valleys, hemmed in by the steep terrain. The variety in plant communities is influenced by the terrain. Dry ridgetops and south-facing slopes have black oaks, white oaks and hickories. The shaded north-facing slopes and protected coves support stands of American beech, tuliptree and sugar maple, or red oak, tuliptree and sweetgum.