Looking for the best trails around Mount Vernon?

Explore the best rated trails in Mount Vernon, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Veteran's Honor Trail and Rend Lake Bike Trail . With more than 5 trails covering 93 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.

Recent Trail Reviews

Tunnel Hill State Trail

Harrisburg to Katnani and back

December, 2023 by hn72qs9by5

Rode from Harrisburg to Karnak and back today. Great trail. A little wash out about 10 miles north of large tunnel. Not much on trail. Bathrooms at Harrisburg locked. Saw very few riders. A few walkers. One guy on an electric bike with a rifle.

Tunnel Hill State Trail

Beautiful trail going through a National forest

November, 2023 by jasonrbarnwell

Excellent trail going with a large section that goes through the Shawnee National Forest. The trail is very well maintained and in excellent condition for the entire length except for 1.6 miles that is under repair. The previous reviewer stating the need for a full suspension mountain bike are completely inaccurate. I have done it on 32c tires many times and while this particular section is indeed under repair one you can always dismount and walk this short section and enjoy the scenery. The rest if the trail is in great condition with evenly spaced rest areas, pit toilets, water, trash cans, and ample parking. This area of Illinois is beautiful with many excellent campgrounds and sights seeing

Tunnel Hill State Trail

DMac

October, 2023 by dmacgill525

It is a tale of two trails, one Southwest of the tunnel, the other, if it can be called a trail, Northeast of the tunnel. In late September my brother and I road both. Our first day we rode from Karnak to the tunnel, and back again, around 43 miles. That part of the trail is reasonably maintained, with trussell bridges and lush cover from thick forests. It was a long ride, but the hills rarely exceeded a 5% grade. So we expected the trail from the tunnel to Harrisburg to be the same.... It is not. Expect loose crushed stone in many places that 36c tiers will sink into, and 1/4 inch gravel in others to repair the surface, as well as washed out dips on the sides of the trail. Expect to fall approx. 25 feet into snake infested water if you should go off the side when you have to make a quick direction adjustment. (I assume snakes are in the water since we road past a few snakes on the trail, one a cottonmouth that showed us its dental work.) If you plan to ride the Northeastern section from the tunnel to Harrisburg you will need a mountain bike with full suspension. A gravel bike or a hybrid is not enough.

Accordion

Tunnel Hill State Trail

Stonefort

October, 2023 by floydjimmy67

We rode today from Stonefort to tunnel hill and it has some washed out spots and is rough in spots

Rend Lake Bike Trail

Great Ride

October, 2023 by hollyraejoy

We started in the back of the South Marcum Campground, followed the path and rode out 11.5 miles around Dam to other side of lake. We saw 24 deer and other wildlife, had the trail all to ourselves, 23 miles round trip.

Tunnel Hill State Trail

tunnel hill north should be closed

September, 2023 by chadley109_tl

Tunnel hill south was a wonderful trip! The tunnel was beautiful, take a flashlight. The next day we wanted to ride north, MISTAKE about 2 miles you will see a sign trail damage, what an understatement. We rode another 1.5 miles and hit a spot you had to walk your bike through, we bike for fun and this was not fun so we turned around. 600 mile road trip to ride this trail.

Carlyle Lake Bike Trail

Which way do you go?

September, 2023 by jhoagland345

Agree with others that signage is needed. Riding the short distance by the lake was enjoyable on a sunny September day.

Rend Lake Bike Trail

great bike trail

September, 2023 by gavinlee5950

Stayed at Gun Creek Campground. Easily hopped on bike trail at golf course water tower. Trail was fully paved, rode through beautiful wooded sections.

Tunnel Hill State Trail

Awesome Ride 9/5/23

September, 2023 by bonnie.smith_tl

What a great trail. My wife and I have of list of trails and this is one that should be on yours. We rode out of Karnak , we got in night before and stayed at Brothers Main campground. Grate place and right across from trail head. Site had water and power. We were concerned about trail being crushed stone and we had a lot of rain night before. We did 45 miles and only ran into three ruts from run off rain. Had a great time and will do again, we will try and catch the fall colors next time. Thanks state of Illinois for an awesome ride

Tunnel Hill State Trail

I biked this trail Saturday from Vienna to Stonefort. Beautiful trail. I wish Illinois would invest in more trails.

September, 2023 by bambamhp69

I biked this trail Saturday from Vienna to Stonefort. Beautiful trail. I wish Illinois would invest in more trails.

Tunnel Hill State Trail

beautiful ride!

August, 2023 by mcbax

We rode this trail from Vienna to the tunnel. It was stunning going over the bridges. There’s a little outpost before the tunnel where you can buy ice cream or some water (honor system so bring cash)

Tunnel Hill State Trail

Back Country Trail

July, 2023 by 5wn452egtw

Our second time riding the trail. Amazing scenery lots of wildlife and of course a awesome tunnel. Vienna is a great place to stay and has a nice city park by the trail with plenty of parking and picnic area.

Find Nearby City trails

Accordion

Register for free!

Register for free with TrailLink today!

We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your own favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Leave reviews for trails
  • Add new and edit existing trails

Get the Free TrailLink App

The trail is always better with TrailLink

Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone

Explore by City

Explore by City

Explore by Activity

Explore by Activity

Log in to your account to:

  • View trail paths on the map
  • Save trails to your account
  • Add trails, edit descriptions
  • Share photos
  • Add reviews

Log in with Google

Log in with Apple

OR

Register for free!

Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more!

Register with Google

Register with Apple

OR

Your account has been deleted.