Trail Overview
Opossum Trot Road SFR 628 is an easy, scenic 2.9-mile gravel route through the Shawnee National Forest, making it perfect for beginners, scenic drivers, and those looking for a relaxing escape into nature. Winding through dense hardwood forests in southern Illinois, this well-maintained forest service road features gentle elevation changes ranging from 490 to 744 feet with a mild average gradient. While the main road is highly accessible and can be traversed by standard two-wheel-drive vehicles in dry conditions, four-wheel-drive vehicles and SxSs will find it a breeze, whereas the challenging offshoot trails branching off the main route offer moderate to difficult obstacles for those seeking a technical thrill.
This route can be driven in either direction, with the east entrance located near Elco on Jim Branch Road and the west entrance accessed off Forest Service Road 669. Because cell service is highly unreliable in this remote section of the national forest, downloading offline maps prior to arrival is essential for navigation. Standard obstacles on the main gravel road are minimal, typically consisting of light washboarding, small ruts during wet weather, and the occasional fallen tree. Drivers should bring a chainsaw or clearing tools to handle any downed timber, as trees frequently block the path, and remain mindful of changing conditions after heavy rains.
Difficulty
This is just a simple nature viewing route that is easy to traverse, with enough room to pass with ease. If the season is wet, minor washboarding and ruts could form, but they would be minimal.
Access Description
The route is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Shawnee National Forest. No fees or permits are required to travel this road, but vehicles must comply with state and federal regulations regarding street-legality on open forest service roads. Refer to the [Shawnee National Forest website](https://www.fs.usda.gov/shawnee) for current road status and seasonal closures.
