The BNSF runs south from Marion to through the forest to Vienna, then on to Metropolis. CN starts south at Edgewood [off the Cairo line] to Robbs then into Metropolis where they cross the Ohio into Paducah KY.
I don't know about traffic, but when me n the wife were camping by Metropolis in July, the mornings seems to be the busiest.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/4309
where in the forest do the BNSF and CN run
BNSF and the CN/IC both have lines running north from Metropolis IL through the Shawnee forest. Those two are the only rail I know of going through that area any more.
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