Explore the best rated trails in Ava, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the MetroBikeLink Trail and Saint Clair County Orchard Loop Trail . With more than 6 trails covering 99 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.
This trail is nice but the section from the “The Orchards” to Eckards is very open and loud next to Green Mount Road. The parking at the beginning section in The Orchards golf course is a good hike prior to starting on the path with no sidewalks or designated crosswalks. And the street is hilly with turns and drivers mostly can’t see you crossing or walking on the side of the street. Also crossing where the path ends puts you in someone’s back yard , walking around the pool & tennis courts. Parking at the at one of the other options would be much safer especially with kids.
I did the Tunnel Hill Trail for my first 100 mile ride on 11/1/25. Parked in Harrisburg off Barnett St and biked to the south end of the trail at the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center and back.
Trail surface is almost all hard packed crushed gravel with small paved sections through Harrisburg. Fairly smooth throughout. for an unpaved trail. No big hills but several long low grade inclines/declines. In the woods and forest the whole time except when passing through towns. There are water stations and bathrooms along the trail, though they were locked when I was there.
I did my ride on a Specialized road bike on 28mm tires. A gravel bike would probably be optimal, but the road bike did fine. Weather was cool and cloudy with some rain in the middle of the day, but the trail still held up well even with the light rain. Some small gravel got caught up around my brakes adding some extra resistance but nothing major.
Saw only a few other people all day, mostly hikers and but some bikers as well. Trail only crosses small roads, there are tunnels that go under major roads. Gravel was slower than the pavement, but this was a good 100 mile ride if not concerned with a specific pace. Took me 7 hrs 22 minutes of moving time.
Nice fall colors in late October/early November and the trail had a nice isolated feeling like not many people use it. I liked the bridges and the tunnels
*Note: some of the pictures on here, including the highlighted picture for this trail are not of this route. The highlighted "trestle bridge" picture is of a bridge on the Great Allegheny Passage
This trail is the best maintained, marked and clean trails I have ever ridden. The trail surface is paved and in better condition than most of the areas highways! The prettiest portion is from the memorial hospital station to the Highway 161 station. Rode from Scott AFB to hwy 161 and back. Ride it soon! Get out there!
We started in Vienna and got 30 miles total. The trail was great, gravel, the tunnel is definitely a must to see. We stopped in to see the train station and talked to the lady in there she was super nice and had a lot of information to share on the trail. So glad we got to ride part of it.
We started at whispering pine loop and turned around at north Sandusky campground, this trail ended here. Such a great trail a few crazy spots behind the lake, but a fun trail to ride all concrete trail. We got rained but that even made it a lot more fun. We laughed so much.
Rode from the western trailhead to Vienna. Beautiful scenery. Trail in good shape. A few minor rough patches where larger gravel used as patches, but not anything to get in the way. Beautiful foliage and flowers were out.
This is a very nice, scenic - absolutely beautiful trail and you can either start out or end up at Eckerts!
We were camping at South Marcum so that is where I started. The concrete path was in great shape, just like riding on a sidewalk. A short distance of hard packed gravel was a little rough, but easy to ride. I had to quit at the visitor center because of the rain, but I will definitely be back to finish the trail.
Snakes are out keep your eyes out and your feet up :) Tunnel Hill is a breathtaking rail-to-trail experience that truly stands out for its natural beauty and historical charm. The trail winds through the picturesque landscape of Southern Illinois, offering a serene escape for cyclists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts alike. One of the most striking features of Tunnel Hill is its namesake tunnel, which is a fascinating relic of the old railway. This long, dark tunnel provides a unique and slightly mysterious segment of the journey, adding to the adventure. The trail itself is well-maintained, with a smooth, packed gravel surface that makes for an enjoyable ride or walk. Along the route, you'll be treated to a variety of scenic vistas, including lush forests, rolling farmlands, and beautiful creek crossings. The diverse scenery keeps the journey interesting and provides ample opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting. In the fall, the foliage is particularly stunning, making this a great destination for leaf-peepers. What makes Tunnel Hill truly special is its peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist looking for a long-distance ride or a family wanting a leisurely day out, Tunnel Hill offers something for everyone. The gentle grades and numerous access points make it accessible to all levels of fitness and experience. In summary, Tunnel Hill is more than just a trail; it's an immersive experience into the natural and historical richness of Southern Illinois. It's a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to explore a trail that is both beautiful and steeped in history.
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.
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
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