Carbondale, IL Walking Trails and Maps

112 Reviews

Looking for the best Walking trails around Carbondale?

Find the top rated walking trails in Carbondale, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

  • Relevance
  • Name
  • Length
  • Most Popular
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type
6 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Eldorado Bicycle and Walking Path

2.2 mi
State: IL
Concrete, Crushed Stone

George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail

3.9 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Concrete

Rend Lake Bike Trail

20.6 mi
State: IL
Concrete, Crushed Stone

Tunnel Hill State Trail

55.2 mi
State: IL
Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone

Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail

4.4 mi
State: MO
Asphalt, Concrete

Equality to Glen O. Jones Lake Bike Trail

5.6 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
The City of Eldorado Bicycle and Walking Path is an excellent example of trails as linear parks. The City of Eldorado and the Eldorado Garden Study Club both work to keep the landscaped trailway and...
IL 2.2 mi Concrete, Crushed Stone
The George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail has a name from the history books, and it runs entirely through Fort Massac State Park—Illinois’ first State Park, now over 100 years old—with its recreated...
IL 3.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Rend Lake Bike Trail, in the heart of southern Illinois, goes around nearly half of the second-largest man-made lake in the state. Along the way, trail-goers will enjoy picturesque views of the...
IL 20.6 mi Concrete, Crushed Stone
Overview    With a dark railroad tunnel and two dozen trestles crossing streams and rocky ravines, the scenic Tunnel Hill State Trail travels 55 miles through forests, wetlands, farmlands and towns...
IL 55.2 mi Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone
Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail meanders through the city of Cape Girardeau in southeastern Missouri following the Cape LaCroix Creek. Along the way, the paved trail connects Shawnee Park, Arena Park,...
MO 4.4 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Equality to Glen O. Jones Lake Bike Trail traverses an area where salt mining figured much in its early history. So did the Ohio River, which lies just 12 miles to the east, down the Saline River....
IL 5.6 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Recent Trail Reviews

Rend Lake Bike Trail

Smooth ride

June, 2024 by 4x9c6qc6yf

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.

Tunnel Hill State Trail

Tunnel Hill rail trail

June, 2024 by hurstlakehouse

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.

Equality to Glen O. Jones Lake Bike Trail

Nice Trail Ride

April, 2024 by jgdlloyd

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.

Accordion

Tunnel Hill State Trail

Harrisburg to Katnani and back

December, 2023 by hn72qs9by5

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.

Tunnel Hill State Trail

Beautiful trail going through a National forest

November, 2023 by jasonrbarnwell

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

Tunnel Hill State Trail

DMac

October, 2023 by dmacgill525

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.

Tunnel Hill State Trail

Stonefort

October, 2023 by floydjimmy67

We rode today from Stonefort to tunnel hill and it has some washed out spots and is rough in spots

Rend Lake Bike Trail

Great Ride

October, 2023 by hollyraejoy

We started in the back of the South Marcum Campground, followed the path and rode out 11.5 miles around Dam to other side of lake. We saw 24 deer and other wildlife, had the trail all to ourselves, 23 miles round trip.

Tunnel Hill State Trail

tunnel hill north should be closed

September, 2023 by chadley109_tl

Tunnel hill south was a wonderful trip! The tunnel was beautiful, take a flashlight. The next day we wanted to ride north, MISTAKE about 2 miles you will see a sign trail damage, what an understatement. We rode another 1.5 miles and hit a spot you had to walk your bike through, we bike for fun and this was not fun so we turned around. 600 mile road trip to ride this trail.

Rend Lake Bike Trail

great bike trail

September, 2023 by gavinlee5950

Stayed at Gun Creek Campground. Easily hopped on bike trail at golf course water tower. Trail was fully paved, rode through beautiful wooded sections.

Tunnel Hill State Trail

Awesome Ride 9/5/23

September, 2023 by bonnie.smith_tl

What a great trail. My wife and I have of list of trails and this is one that should be on yours. We rode out of Karnak , we got in night before and stayed at Brothers Main campground. Grate place and right across from trail head. Site had water and power. We were concerned about trail being crushed stone and we had a lot of rain night before. We did 45 miles and only ran into three ruts from run off rain. Had a great time and will do again, we will try and catch the fall colors next time. Thanks state of Illinois for an awesome ride

Tunnel Hill State Trail

I biked this trail Saturday from Vienna to Stonefort. Beautiful trail. I wish Illinois would invest in more trails.

September, 2023 by bambamhp69

I biked this trail Saturday from Vienna to Stonefort. Beautiful trail. I wish Illinois would invest in more trails.

Find Nearby City trails

Accordion

Register for free!

Register for free with TrailLink today!

We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your own favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Leave reviews for trails
  • Add new and edit existing trails

Get the Free TrailLink App

The trail is always better with TrailLink

Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone

Explore by City

Explore by City

Explore by Activity

Explore by Activity

Log in to your account to:

  • View trail paths on the map
  • Save trails to your account
  • Add trails, edit descriptions
  • Share photos
  • Add reviews

Log in with Google

Log in with Apple

OR

Register for free!

Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more!

Register with Google

Register with Apple

OR

Your account has been deleted.