Lincoln Prairie Trail (Lincoln Heritage Trail):
Illinois
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Description:
From the Trail Website: The 15-mile Lincoln Prairie Trail begins at the west edge of the City of Pana and follows Route 29 to Taylorville. The asphalt paved trail opened June 7, 2001, with approximately 500 riders taking part in opening day.

The trail is built on an old rail road bed and the four bridges are still intact and have been sided for those who use the trail. One is located just as you leave the City of Taylorville and the next one is hidden just north of the intersection of Route 29 and Lake Taylorville Road. The other two are located near each other about three miles north of Pana.

This trail is one of the longest paved trails south of the Chicagoland area and will eventually run well over 45 miles going from Pana to the State Capital in Springfield. The Lincoln Prairie Trail is expected to bring many guests into the community as visitors who will bike, hike, roller blade, run and "scoot" the old rail bed to view the Illinois prairie plants and wildlife.

The trail was aquired in 1997 as a donation from the state of Illinois. It runs through Representative Lane Evans' district. The trail does have emergency vehicle access and it is patrolled by local, county, and state law enforcement, and by volunteers 10 times a day.

Different types of activities take place on the trail throughout the year. There are four bridges along the trail and some old existing fences.
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Parking & Trail Access:
The trailhead parking lot is located on State Route 29 just North/West of the Pana City Limits. Pana can be reached by Rt. 51, 16 or 29.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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tandems on the prairie
By larry h on August 31, 2009
six of us took 3 tandems on the trail the 26th of august. really enjoyed the scenery and the level terrain. one of the cleanest trails we have ridden but it does need bathrooms at one end but we did ride into town for a bite and they had facilities there. we would certainly ride it again. we drove over 400 miles to ride the trails in ill. and it was worth every minute of it !!!!
MidMorning Ride on the Lincoln Prairie Trail
By jake1944 on June 19, 2008
To make this ride we traveled from Edwardsville to Pana and on to Taylorville. We had gotten conflicting reports on this trail but we can attest to the fact that it was most enjoyable. Friendly people, lots of prairie, and beautifull flowers all along the trial. You must keep in mind that we do not race our trikes, we ride our trikes and smell the flowers. Who ever were the promoters of this trail did a great job and we say thank you. Hopefully, this trail is extended in both directions. We really like how Pana has promoted this trail. We parked at the Taylorville Lake lot to start our ride but the end of the trail is actually two miles further into Tayloville but no signage. As an asset for Taylorville, young and old were walking or riding from various area subdivisions or from Taylorville to the Lake area. Safe and accessible. Now that's what I am talking about! Have a great day and support this trail by letting you city, county, state, and federal officials know how you feel about this and other rails-to-trails.
Jake
I have no trouble with water or parking
By john on October 30, 2007
"One person says no place in Taylorville to park. I've parked there and rode to Pana before, And the one saying no water fountains, heck take a couple water bottles. It's only around 29 miles round trip. I have no trouble with water. Now when and if they do the rest of it, between Taylorville and Rochester, which will make it around 40 or so miles one way, then worry.
John"
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