Explore the best rated trails in Evansville, IN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Oak Hill Multi-Use Trail and Jasper Riverwalk . With more than 14 trails covering 100 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.
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.
Rode the entire trail, out and back, from Sunset Park. Scenery was always changing, so the ride went quickly. Lots of history and interesting sights (yes, including fabricators and metal recyclers!).
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.
My first month moving here, we went camping at saddle lake and Sunset park every day went to this park daily walk 2-4 times for the month, and it's has clean bathrooms, fresh water, picnic tableware, children's play ground, bbq, beautiful views, great trail. Super friendly people biking, walking dogs, etc. Very beautiful murial. People will stop and chat and long time residents have excellent history facts about Tell City.. Try IT, but you will get hooked... We moved here!!!
I have a different perspective than most trail users. I am paralyzed from the waist down. My "daily driver" is a manual wheelchair. However, I also have a handcycle: basically a three-wheel bicycle that I pedal with my hands. The rear two wheels are just along for the ride. The front wheel does all of the steering, braking, and propelling. As my weight is all on the back wheels, it spins out on too steep of a hill. There is one hill on the west end of this trail (right next to Parrish Avenue) that I had to ride down the street to bypass. There's another hill about 1/4 mile from this one that I could just BARELY handle. Otherwise, this trail is fairly flat with a few small hills. A completely flat trail is kind of boring, but I just can't do a really steep one. The Greenbelt is, for me, the perfect blend of flat and steep.
Handcycle considerations aside, Owensboro has done a commendable job with this trail. It is very nicely constructed and maintained. There are several good places to park, with ample parking spaces. I have ridden it several times now. I suggest doing what I did - try parking at different lots and seeing which one you like best. My personal favorite is the one off of Higdon Road. It is somewhere in the middle of the trail and lets you go either direction. A 15 mile trail (so 30 miles if you do both directions) gives you a lot of options, especially if you're looking for a 5 or 10 mile ride.
As other reviewers have noted, they could have done a better job with signs. In town sections of the trail, it's sometimes a bit difficult to know if you're still on the trail. I'm from here, so I have been watching the trail being constructed for years, so it makes sense to me. If you're new to it, download and study a map of it and you should be good. A map will also show you the numerous parking lots.
There are a large number of road intersections. Owensboro drivers aren't known for paying attention, so be careful! There are good markings and flashing lights at all the intersections. Plus, it's fun to take little side quests down many of these roads that are wide enough for cars plus a wheelchair-width handcycle.
The trail provides a good mix of city streets, farm fields, and woods. There are a lot of spots without shade, so bring some sunscreen if the sun bothers you. The parks departments do a great job maintaining the trail, but there are quite a few tree root bumps in some of the sections. Watch your front wheel, slow down a bit, and you'll be fine. There are about half a dozen portable toilets along the trail, and tons of benches for a rest stop.
Like I said, I live within easy driving distance of the Greenbelt. The only thing more handy for me is to just leave my driveway and hit my local roads on my handcycle, which I do often. However, when I don't want to fight cars or when I have my daughter on her bike with me, the Greenbelt is my first choice. It is an asset to our community. Come check it out. I hope to see you out there!
Being a nearby resident I had heard of this trail and tressel plus had seen a sign pointing towards the direction to it. I recommend going to it via Ky 109 or US 60. Rely on the Trails map ‘cause it’s accurate. The trail is paved and flat except the floor of the tressel which is wood. Extremely well cared for. Shelters are on the south side. Only reason for not getting a 5 is due to no restrooms. Otherwise if you’re in the area don’t pass it up. You’ll not regret it.
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.
We started at the Ohio Visitors Center and traveled to Glen O Jones Lake. The signage to turn off the main road to the bike trail is missing and we passed it and had to cut across using another road. This wasn’t a big deal but signage would be nice. The trail was moderately easy following tree lines most of the way. Glen O Jones Lake is beautiful. The trail along the Saline River is beautiful as well. The trail would be best ridden in the Spring and Fall for foliage. After our ride we stopped at a food truck in Jac’s parking lot for a delicious lunch. The drive down through the Shawnee Forest and by Garden of God’s is beautiful. We will take this trail again sometime.
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
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.
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