Fountain Bluff

Cliff Prominent limestone bluffs and scenic overlook in Illinois

Dolomite ridge and nature area along the Mississippi River in southern Illinois, known for hiking trails and exposed sandstone bluffs.

Main image
Fountain Bluff
37.6814, -89.5073

How to Get to Fountain Bluff #

Fountain Bluff is accessed from rural roads in Jackson County, Illinois; the nearest small towns provide the last services and a short drive puts hikers at informal trailheads. Because parking and facilities are minimal, visitors should bring provisions and a printed or downloaded trail map.

Tips for Visiting Fountain Bluff #

  • Explore early in the day to avoid biting insects, especially in summer.
  • The bluff is known for sandstone ledges and informal climbing routes - don't attempt technical climbs without gear and local knowledge.
  • Bring a topo map or GPS: trails can be faint and intersect old logging roads.

Best Time to Visit Fountain Bluff #

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable hiking conditions; summers can be hot and insect-laden while winters bring ice and difficult footing.

Spring (April-June)
Apr-Jun · 5°C to 20°C
Wildflowers and migratory songbirds; trails are greening up and less crowded.
Fall (September-October)
Sep-Oct · 5°C to 18°C
Cooler hiking weather and rich autumn colors on wooded approaches.

Weather & Climate near Fountain Bluff #

Climate

Fountain Bluff's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1158 mm/year), wettest in May.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (120 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
12° 25°

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 29°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 32°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
18° 31°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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