Try the Trails

Category: Tips

Whether you’re traveling on two wheels or on your own two feet, Central Illinois has plenty of trails to keep you occupied. Here’s a sampling of the many routes available—from short jaunts to long hauls.

Try them out, then we want to hear from you: What favorite trails did we miss? Share your picks in the comments section below or by emailing editor@illinois-adventures.com today so we can add them to the list.

Bloomington/Normal Constitution Trail
Twenty-four miles of hard-surface trail—perfect for walking, hiking, jogging, and biking—run through the twin cities of Bloomington and Normal. No matter where you are, it’s easy to find a section of the trail to travel. Download the natural trail guide here.

Champaign County
Champaign County (including Champaign-Urbana, Mahomet, Rantoul, and Savoy) offers a slew of trails for serious and casual bicyclists and hikers. Download maps for the many trails from champaigncountybikes.org and the city of Champaign.

Clinton
Clinton Lake’s three hiking trails cater to all types of hikers. Try the easy to moderate 5-mile Houseboat Cove Trail north of the beach, which follows the shoreline and loops back through the woods. For a more challenging hike (it’s a bit hilly), try the 9.3-mile North Fork Trail for views of the lake and a 40-acre restored prairie. The 10-mile equestrian/hiking/cross-country ski trail on the north side of the lake (east of the Parnell Access Area) allows you to get outdoors year-round.

Danville
The 7.6-mile Out and Back Trail in Kickapoo State Recreation Area near Danville, which is rated “difficult,” passes through forest, bottomland, and along the edge of abandoned cropland—plus it offers scenic views of the Vermilion River. Other, easier trails are also clearly marked in the area if you’re looking for a shorter route. In addition, the recreation area boasts a 12-mile single-track mountain bike trail.

Lincoln
Near Lincoln, Edward R. Madigan State Park features an easy, 4.5-mile loop along Salt Creek and through the woods. For another lovely, quick hike or bike ride, take the loop through Kickapoo Creek Park off Old Route 66 in Lincoln.

Shelbyville
One of many trails near Lake Shelbyville, the 11-mile Chief Illini Trail takes you along the edge of the lake and across rolling hills and open prairies. For a quicker jaunt, try the 4-mile General Dacey Trail in Dam West Recreation Area, which wends its way through Shelbyville’s Forrest Park.

Springfield
In the Springfield area, try the 7-mile Springfield Park District Interurban Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail, the 5-mile Lost Bridge Trail that connects Springfield and Rochester, and the 2.2-mile-long Wabash Trail on Springfield’s southwest side.

Westville
The Forest Glen Preserve has 25 miles of trails to choose from, including the 11-mile River Ridge Backpack Trail, a rather challenging trek.

Are you ready for a trip back in time—and some serious adventure? Try the Route 66 Trail through Illinois. You can download the trail guide—and find plenty of information on other Central Illinois trails—at the League of Illinois Bicyclists website.

Photo: a tree is nice from Flickr

Tags: Tips | Bike Trails | Hiking Trails | Central Illinois | Bloomington-Normal | Champaign | Clinton | Danville | Lincoln | Shelbyville | Springfield | Westville |

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