Fountain BluffFountain Bluff at a Glance
When to Go
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.
Air Quality:
AQI 28
Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -5° - 4° | -5° | 68 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -3° - 7° | -2° | 75 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 2° - 13° | 5° | 118 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 7° - 20° | 13° | 109 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 12° - 25° | 19° | 120 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 17° - 29° | 23° | 104 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 20° - 32° | 26° | 101 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 18° - 31° | 25° | 95 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 15° - 27° | 21° | 83 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 8° - 21° | 15° | 76 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 3° - 14° | 6° | 107 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -2° - 7° | -1° | 102 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
Getting There & Around
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.