Explore the best rated trails in Mattoon, IL. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Greenbelt Bikeway and East Prairie Bicycle & Walking Path. With more than 18 trails covering 77 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.
Heavy leaf cover and branches and other debris from trees completely cover the pavement in many areas along the trail which require very slow and careful navigation when on a bike. Stopped several times to either walk bike through rough patches or to pull twigs lodged between tire front fender. This trail is not maintained at all and needs a thorough sweeping by villages or organization tasked with keeping trail in a safe and reasonably maintained condition for the enjoyment of everyone whether biking or hiking.
Enjoyed a beautiful ride through fields East of Urbana, IL to St. Joseph. Paved approaches to road crossings and nice surfaces for the trail. Multiple bike stations for minor repaira and free at the East end at the Casey's.
We enjoyed our first out and back ride on the Lincoln Prairie Trail on a hot and sunny morning. First the positives. Beautiful farmland scenery over a 13.5 mile straight line from Pana to Taylorville. Tree cover is intermittent and very welcome on a sunny day with the exception of a 2 mile long open stretch just east of Taylorville. There are a number of really beautiful stretches where you’re going through a tunnel of trees along the way. For those looking for a flat trail, this fits the bill. Over our 27 mile out and back ride we gained a mere 250 feet of altitude. As for the less positive elements, the pavement varies between good and poor condition. The opening 2 miles from Pana is pretty rough with lots of grass and weeds growing through cracks in the pavement. In other areas there are a lot of cracks and bumps that detract a bit from the ride. Be aware that there are no amenities along the path. Use the restroom at the McDonalds in Pana before starting as the porta-potty at the Pana parking lot is not very nice. Also be sure to pack water and a snack as there is no where to get something along the way. Despite the negatives, we really enjoyed our ride and will be back. If you love beautiful farm scenes and a flat ride you should enjoy the Lincoln Prairie Trail. When we reached the north end near Taylorville we were greeted with an imposing concrete barrier that keeps you from crossing a small bridge and completing the last mile into Taylorville. I hope they can raise the funds to repair the bridge as it would really be nice stop for a refreshment before returning to Pana.
100 percent ashphalt! Straight with nice towns on either end. New bathroom stop 1/2 way. Great length and a nature center at one end. Worth the effort.
In the first mile today was met by two unleashed dogs near VCSC building. On my return the same two were charged me and my pet (who was leashed). I fortunately had a poop scoop with me to fend off both dogs. Contacted WTH Police Dept. who indicated they were familiar with the dogs around the area of 4th & Olive. Not blaming the dogs and will give benifit of doubt to owners who may not have been aware the collared dogs were loose. Just want future guests of park to be aware of the risk they may encounter and to be prepared just in case.
One mile from bro walk in WTH, was attacked by two neigh hood dogs (4th & Olive). Luckily had poop scoop with me and was able to fend off. Again on way back same to dogs. Reported to WTH police who were familiar with dogs. Will wait a few weeks to see if owners take responsibility before attempting another walk. Landscape looks awesome and well maintained. Just be aware if you have children or pets !!!
If you happen to be in Charleston IL then definitely visit it, but don’t go out of your way to visit it It is in very excellent condition, 95% paved despite the photo on this website Straight as an arrow, one slight turn in 11 miles. Very nice nature center about 3 miles from end in Mattoon Il.
The trail is great, but needs shade and wind barriers.
Went in early March and there wasn’t much color in the landscape, but it was a nice, easy stroll. Saw a road runner and maybe a quail, so a nice place for birding. We parked in the Buffalo Trace lot.
The trail is well maintained and offers a relaxing ride through the wetlands outside of West Terre Haute. Plenty of wildlife encountered on the trail from rabbits to turkeys to deer. Even better is that the pedestrian walkway adjacent to US 40 is now open. This creates a loop completely safe from traffic. The only road riding is though a sleepy little neighborhood. The “no trespassing” signs seen on the trail are on private property. Most likely to keep people from cutting through yards to get to the streets. Mosquitos, when stopped, are the main downside this time of year.
We parked at the Charleston Baseball Seaton Complex and rode towards Mattoon. The trail is a wonderful smooth asphalt surface which is sunny all the way to the Douglas-Hart Nature Center. It is a great trail!
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