Explore the best rated trails in Carbondale, IL. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Tunnel Hill State Trail and Rend Lake Bike Trail. With more than 6 trails covering 92 miles you’re bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
The Rend Lake Bike Trail, in the heart of southern Illinois, goes around nearly half of the second-largest man-made lake in the state. Along the way, trail-goers will enjoy picturesque views of the...
The George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail has a name from the history books, and it runs entirely through Fort Massac State Park—Illinois’ first State Park, now over 100 years old—with its recreated...
Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail meanders through the city of Cape Girardeau in southeastern Missouri following the Cape LaCroix Creek. Along the way, the paved trail connects Shawnee Park, Arena Park,...
The City of Eldorado Bicycle and Walking Path is an excellent example of trails as linear parks. The City of Eldorado and the Eldorado Garden Study Club both work to keep the landscaped trailway and...
A dark railroad tunnel and two dozen trestles crossing streams and rocky ravines welcome visitors to the scenic Tunnel Hill State Trail as it travels 55 miles through forests and farmland in sparsely...
The Equality to Glen O. Jones Lake Bike Trail traverses an area where salt mining figured much in its early history. So did the Ohio River, which lies just 12 miles to the east, down the Saline River....
The Equality to Glen O. Jones Lake Bike Trail traverses an area where salt mining figured much in its early history. So did the Ohio River, which lies just 12 miles to the east, down the Saline River....
The City of Eldorado Bicycle and Walking Path is an excellent example of trails as linear parks. The City of Eldorado and the Eldorado Garden Study Club both work to keep the landscaped trailway and...
Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail meanders through the city of Cape Girardeau in southeastern Missouri following the Cape LaCroix Creek. Along the way, the paved trail connects Shawnee Park, Arena Park,...
The Rend Lake Bike Trail, in the heart of southern Illinois, goes around nearly half of the second-largest man-made lake in the state. Along the way, trail-goers will enjoy picturesque views of the...
A dark railroad tunnel and two dozen trestles crossing streams and rocky ravines welcome visitors to the scenic Tunnel Hill State Trail as it travels 55 miles through forests and farmland in sparsely...
The George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail has a name from the history books, and it runs entirely through Fort Massac State Park—Illinois’ first State Park, now over 100 years old—with its recreated...
Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail meanders through the city of Cape Girardeau in southeastern Missouri following the Cape LaCroix Creek. Along the way, the paved trail connects Shawnee Park, Arena Park,...
The George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail has a name from the history books, and it runs entirely through Fort Massac State Park—Illinois’ first State Park, now over 100 years old—with its recreated...
The City of Eldorado Bicycle and Walking Path is an excellent example of trails as linear parks. The City of Eldorado and the Eldorado Garden Study Club both work to keep the landscaped trailway and...
The Equality to Glen O. Jones Lake Bike Trail traverses an area where salt mining figured much in its early history. So did the Ohio River, which lies just 12 miles to the east, down the Saline River....
A dark railroad tunnel and two dozen trestles crossing streams and rocky ravines welcome visitors to the scenic Tunnel Hill State Trail as it travels 55 miles through forests and farmland in sparsely...
The Rend Lake Bike Trail, in the heart of southern Illinois, goes around nearly half of the second-largest man-made lake in the state. Along the way, trail-goers will enjoy picturesque views of the...
Over two days, rode from the southern end at the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center north to Stonefort. Beautiful scenery, lots of birds and very peaceful, encountered only a few other riders and walkers.
Beautiful area and April 8, 2022 lost dog Rosebud. Has on Grey reflective collar and tags and orange harness. Very fearful and will run. Please call with any sightings. 231 920-0735.
This is a great trail that offers plenty of options for all level of cyclists. The trail is well maintained but there are short sections where gravel was put down versus crushed limestone and could be a challenge for those riding a bicycle with skinny tires. Water was available on the trail but all the air pumps at the trailheads were unusable due to issues with the pump heads but the restrooms were open. There is tree canopy along 95% of the trail which made all the difference on an unseasonably warm day for May. There was plenty of wildlife to be experienced especially as we launched back to our car at sunrise which included deer, box turtles, chipmunks, lizards and of course snakes which included some of the poisonous variety. We spent the night in Harrisburg and enjoyed a superb gastro experience at Morello's with an extensive menu and excellent wait staff. In my opinion, I would avoid the section of the trail from Harrisburg to El Dorado as it is poorly maintained, exposed to the sun and eventually turns into a road. Enjoy the Tunnel Hill Trail experience!
My husband and I rode from New Burnside to 4 miles past Tunnel Hill—about 22 miles. The tunnel was cool, literally. Ride is Almost entirely wooded—saw a snake, possum, turtle, otter (I think) butterflies and birds. A great day!
We rode from Vienna to Tunnel Hill & back. A beautiful, scenic, peaceful ride. 20 miles round trip. Don’t miss this ride!!!!
Just started walking this at lunch and it great. Flat mostly shady, clean and all concrete
Stayed at the Main Brothers camp ground in Karnak, IL which is about 2 miles from the official trail head. The primitive camp sites at main brothers were right next to the road. Full trail is 110 miles plus the two I road to the trail head. Trail is more rough than people say. Choose the right bike. Trail north of Harrisburg is single track so 15 miles round trip was slow going and full sun. Bring water but know there are a lot of water stops. Get food in Harrisburg if you ride that far. There is only one true tunnel so know that and expect to enjoy a lot of nature.
Wooded, shady, well maintained densely packed fine gravel. Only noted one place for snacks, so bring sufficient water & snacks. Clean rest stops along the way.
95 degrees on the way to the trail, 75 degrees on the trail. Shaded 95%. Beautiful scenery Nice path Very low grade Plenty of deer If you stop the mosquitoes will carry you away so use your Skin So Soft from Avon Works great Smell great
Flat, minimal hills, and winds throughout the city! Very pretty through wooded areas. Offers a great escape for bikers! Well-maintained. Plenty of room to pass others and even ride alongside friends.
My wife and I took the trail from Vienna IL. to Harrisburg IL. for our 29th anniversary, Uh lala how romantic (he says with a wink). 34 miles one way. We packed overnight cloths and stayed in an Airbnb, "The Apartment at 217" in Harrisburg. Loved the apartment and our hosts. Stopped in Stonefort on the way up and ate lunch at "Bucketheads", a must stop. Nice staff and good Cajun food. We've ridden from Karnack to Vienna before so we have completed the whole trail. The ride from Vienna to Tunnel hill is the prettiest part. 9.3 miles from Vienna to the Tunnel. When you get to the tunnel you can feel the cool air and it feels great on a hot day.
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