Find the top rated birding trails in Centralia, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Went for a ride yesterday during unusually warm December weather. Started off at Glen Carbon Park & Ride and rode 26 miles total to Hoxey Dr there and back. Started off with nice urban views on a well paved trail. Then a sharp transition into smooth gravel and rural farmland. Beautiful views of IL farmland for the rest of the way, crossing some wooden bridges over scenic streams. 5/5. Will plan to do the full trail eventually.
I love riding this trail and the whole MCT system. Goshen is beautiful, interesting, and a perfect way to spend the day. Make sure you grab a map at the trailhead or keep one on your phone because none of their trails are marked well. Pay attention to forks in the road so you know which one to take to get back (or just do one of the seven loops). Trails are flat and fun. I’ve ridden during the week and on the weekend, and while the weekend was more crowded, there are so many trails so spread out that I never had a problem. Really fantastic ride!
Scenery was marginal at best until the 3 or so miles near SIU edwardsville
We rode this for the first time today & loved it! The parking in OFallon was easily accessible and the paved path was well maintained for the full 19 miles! Enjoyed stopping at Global Brew Tap House on the return..it was right off the trail in Edwardsville. Only improvement would be to add restroom facilities. We saw 2 porta-potties (not well kept) but that was it!
Trail is in great shape. I was surprised to see a nice contingent of riders on a very hot week day.
I really enjoy riding this trail starting at Old Collinsville Road. I find the description above a bit confusing. It's described as "discontiguous" but you would never know that when riding, except for about 100 feet where the trail goes on a quiet neighborhood street. The path is clearly marked and crosses 161 with a push-button to stop traffic. Very foresty and leafy for the first half, before merging with the Metrolink trail for a short section (turn right and right again), then it goes down toward Belleville. Fairly flat and easy to ride with lots of cute parks to go through.
My husband & I just rode the new 3 1/2 mile section from Memorial Hospital station to Fairview Hts station. Loved the hilly curvy over the bridge & creeks to Fairview Hts station. He also rode the Eckert Orchards. Loved that as well. ¿¿
My favorite bike trail! So clean and scenic!
This is a wonderful trail and connects seamlessly with the other MCT Trails. We really enjoyed a cafe called "Taste of Country". Watch for the bright yellow bike with signs. The cafe is in a former vegetable stand at 4200 Hanfelder Rd, Granite City 62040. Worth a stop!
The trail is a nice combination of city & country terrain. The Amelung section near SWIC needs some TLC. The asphalt is buckled in multiple places which can make it difficult for some to navigate without an accident. The excess brush & vegetation along most of the trail has been very well maintained. Most of the wooden bridges are splintering and I met one rider that caught a flat from a piece of wood. Stay aware of pedestrians at the Belleville Station crossing. Consider adding the Orchard Loop to this ride for an extra challenge!
A mostly shaded trail that opens to flat farmland. Enjoyed the comfortable serene setting. Not as crowded as the other trails can get, which I liked. A good option for those who are new to longer distance rides. The park at the Eastern end in Marine has a covered pavilion and immaculate restrooms. Convenient parking lots at both ends make for simple access.
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