Find the top rated birding trails in Mayfield, 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.
It is a beautiful ride. Sort of a cross between gravel riding and mountain biking!
Tunnel is about 10 miles north on the trail, nice crushed stone, generally well-maintained.
The trail is tree lined, dogwoods flowering during our ride. Numerous nice wooden bridges. Generally a gorgeous ride.
You can park in Vienna or just about the tunnel. Remember to take your sunglasses off when you go in the tunnel or it is pitch black!
About 1.5 miles south of Vienna, the trail has much more coarse gravel which is ride-able with a hybrid or gravel bike but not as pleasant as the rest of the trail that we enjoyed with electric cruisers. Gentle grade varies throughout the trail.
We camped at Shawnee campground within 1.5 miles of the trail, nice shoulders on the road leading up to a round-about with a wide sidewalk taking you the rest of the way to the trail. Very popular Mexican restaurant and Diner right off the train in Vienna, also gas stations and fast food.
On the first day I rode the trail from the very northern terminus in Eldorado, IL to Karnak, IL. Camped at the Main Bros. Campground in Karnak that evening. On the second day I rode back to Tunnel Hill and took an excursion over to Ferne Clyffe State Park where i camped that evening. On the 3rd day, it was back to Tunnel Hill to join the trail and back to Eldorado, IL. Fall is a great time to ride this trail. This trail takes you through all kinds of scenery. Prairies, Farmland, Rugged Hills and Forest, and Cypress wetlands. The trail is in good shape. There are some spots where the state has had to patch the trail with some larger rock but it is perfectly passable. Taking care of this trail given the rugged terrain of much of the trail must be a monumental task. Cudos to the state of Illinois Dept of Natural Resources for keeping this wonderful trail in such good shape. Food, Harrisburg and Vienna are the two towns with options for fast food and local restaraunts. Camping, Karnak has the Main Bros. campground which is convenient if you are riding the whole trail in two days or are exploring the Cache River wetlands. Equipment, suggest a bicycle with at least 35mm wide tires. I rode a 45mm wide tire and it was perfect. I would not recommend a road bike for this trail. This is a wonderful resource to explore southern illinois by bicycle. Get out there and ride!
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.
Paved, Gravel, Rocks, Sharp corners, lots of trees down, we had e-bikes which where trek bikes, I wouldn’t recommend trikes to not enough room for them to get over in the woods. We couldn’t get around a big fallen tree on the first part of the trail so we back tracked and went back to the truck and went to the end and started. We did get in 25 miles total.
2.5-mile paved hike/bike trail has been established on the former right-of-way from downtown Cadi, KY. A great place to spend a couple of hours hiking or for a quick bike trip down a 110-year-old rail corridor. Part of the trail was closed near the park as 10/27/24.
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.
Very shaded non technical trail with lots of ups and downs and turns. Beautiful wood with lots of birds! Recommend suspension bikes/trikes due to some rough rocky areas. This is our favorite non Rails to Trails ride!
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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