Interurban Trail:
Illinois
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Description:
The paved 5-mile Interurban Trail, which travels north from Chatham to Illinois' state capital of Springfield along the old interurban electric rail line, provides a pleasant mix of urban and rural scenery. The Interurban is a wonderful example of a rail-with-trail' train and trail traffic share the corridor's use. The trail serves as a great commuter route for people heading in and out of Springfield-home to moer than 110,000 residents-from Chatham and surrounding communities.
You will travel through standard suburban surroundings, but a certain amount of serenity not found in the suburbs prevails along this trail. Just north of Chatham, the trail skirts along a paved golf cart path as it winds through the manicured greens and fairways of a beautiful golf course.
Only a quarter mile beyond the golf course is the true highlight of the Interurban Trail-Lake Springfield. The lake is visible from the Interurban, but don't be fooled by the terrain. What looks like a small amount of water from ground level is actually a vast, 4200-acre reservoir that supplies water to residents of Springfield and surrounding areas all year.
After Lake Springfield, the trail offers views of the rural landscape dominated by fields of corn, though this setting is fleeting. I-72 looms ahead, reminding you of the city yet to come and as the trail comes to a close in Springfield, people and neighborhoods become more prevelent. As a small oasis from the bustle of suburban and city life, the Interurban Trail exactly the kind of useful and plesant link you expect from a rail-trail.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To access the Chatham trailhead from I-72, take State Rte. 4 south for approximately 4 miles to Chatham. In Chatham, head east on Walnut St. There is not an official trail parking lot, but there are plenty of free parking spots off of Walnut. The trailhead is on the left, just past the Post Office.
To reach the Springfield trailhead from I-55, head west on E. Stanford Ave. for about a mile to S. Macarthur Blvd. Turn south on S. Macarthur and you will dead-end into the parking lot for the trail.

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Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
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Nice trail for Chatham and Springfield
By will v. in August, 2011
The trail is nice and scenic. The path has been modified due to the MacArthur extension to I-72, it's now routed across the street and behind Scheels. There is parking in Chatham at the south end of the trail, a small lot is provided directly across the street from the trail head. There are several other parking lots at various points on the path (Woodside Rd, MacArthur and I-72, and MacArthur and Wabash).
Great Trail
By rtcok24 in May, 2011
As my wife and I are beginners, this trail was excellent. We didn't make it all the way to Chatham because "one" particular hill was a monster. We will keep doing it until it becomes second nature.
Big Asset to Chatham
By James in August, 2005
"As a new resident of Chatham, the interurban trail is a great asset. I ride my bike to Springfield all of the time. "
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Springfield (Wabash Ave & Park St) to Chatham
Counties: Sangamon
Trail Length: 5 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6015731

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