Find the top rated birding trails in Rantoul, 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.
Lexington has done a great job holding onto its Route 66 charm! It’s small town Midwest Americana at its best! The day we were there to ride the trail, we had a great lunch at Kelly’s on 66, where we talked history with the owner and admired all the highway memorabilia from yesteryear. We were going to drive through downtown on Main Street, but found it blocked off and filled with a Homecoming Carnival. I didn’t know small towns even had these anymore! We’ll be going back again – for trail and town. Looks like there’s lots of Lexington events related to the Mother Road.
As of writing this the north, east, and south sides of the loop are complete. There is new asphalt linking Pearl St and 136 on the east side. I skated a complete loop by going up 3rd St from the SW trailhead, turning right onto Union St, and turning left onto 5th St to get back to the park. The roads are pretty rough for skating unless you have big wheels.
The trail itself is pretty nice. The asphalt section is very nice and smooth, but the majority of the trail is a little rough with lots of raised cracks in the pavement that aren't marked. If you take the loop clockwise you get to enjoy a long downhill on the southern part of the loop though, which is fun.
I understand this trail is only currently 1/4th complete, so disregard after 2018 construction.
I took this trail from campus at UIUC and back on my day off. I thought it would be relaxing to get away from all of the traffic, so it was a little disconcerting to be right next to the highway with no trees to secure me from the road. This lack of trees meant no shade, and it was 90 degrees. I have quite a bad sunburn.
In addition, at this juncture there are only like three benches and no water spouts to refill my water bottle.
Because the trail isn't done, it ended quite abruptly in the town, which was a little awkward for me. I admit feeling a little out of place with my bike and my sack lunch with no place to sit. There did end up being a nice park, complete with benches and shade, northeast of town.
This is the best trail I've seen.. for connecting all the major services of a small town. Kids and adults alike can get from home to school, to the library, to the park, and to shop – all over this safe, wide, and off-road concrete trailway.
The Lake of the Woods is a great facility, as is it's own bike path which my wife and I rode a few years ago. Now one can make a grand loop over both trails together. A great way to go over the river (twice!) and through the woods, any season of the year. And those river crossings? One over an old covered bridge and one over an old steel bridge. Nature lovers and dreamers of days gone by, take heart. And enjoy a day in the Village of Mahomet.
I read about this trail in the Winter 2016 Rails to Trails Magazine. So it was a real thrill to see it added to our great TrailLink list of Illinois trails, and to spend a morning checking out this first completed section. The construction and signage on the trail are excellent. At the mid-point of our ride out and back from Urbana, the wife and I had a good time exploring the downtown shops and neighborhoods of St. Joseph. We found it a friendly and still vibrant little Midwestern town, even though it's so close to the much larger cities of Champaign-Urbana.
This trail opened last week and we happened to be passing through the area, so we rode it one way. Trail is in excellent condition -- the groups pulling the funding together did an wonderful job. Couple of explanatory signs, good bridges, safe crossings. This first section of the trail is >90% exposed, so wind and sun will be a factor. It was great to see the community out in force today playing in their new linear park. Parking at the Western end (Urbana) is allowed at Walmart, which is a block or so from the official end. Thanks to them for granting use of their parking lot for the public.
Parking is available at the Far western part of the trail at the Walmart parking lot. Rode the trail prior to its official opening, about a week before very smooth compact surface like riding On Pavement. can't wait till they complete the the total Trail!
We started off at the storm water detention pond parking area. Nice parking lot with a porta potty and the large pond is filled with goldfish or koi. Then we went North and rode the East-West section that is the old rail line. Let the kids play at a playground that's right on the trail. Finished off with a ride around historic downtown that is just off the west end of the of the old rail line trail. Not much wildlife to view but a very flat, somewhat smooth, urban trail.
Scenic and smooth. Great for a walker and a partner in an electric wheelchair. A wonderful way to share the outdoors together.
Other then IN where else can you go ride your bike through a cover bridge and follow the trail of the Bison. Very nice peaceful ride. You do have to cross a highway if you do the whole trail. There also is other trails but these aren't paved and are good for a soft off roading.
I do like to park my car near the 172 exit off 74 there is a bathroom there and the parking lot is a bit bigger. If you are coming from the east as you get off turn right and a few feet on your left is the parking lot.
Nice little trail through the country. Lots of wildlife to be seen. Good trail to begin with. Just enough hills to make it a bit of a challenge for beginners.
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