Salem, IL Bike Trails and Maps

45 Reviews

Looking for the best Bike trails around Salem?

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

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Activities
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7 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

MCT Nickel Plate Trail

28.5 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

MCT Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail

12.2 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Rend Lake Bike Trail

20.6 mi
State: IL
Concrete, Crushed Stone

Carlyle Lake Bike Trail

10.3 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Concrete

Effingham TREC

3 mi
State: IL
Concrete

Trestle Trail (Lebanon)

0.3 mi
State: IL
Crushed Stone

Veteran's Honor Trail

5.1 mi
State: IL
Asphalt
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
The Madison County Transit (MCT) Nickel Plate Trail is the longest of the county’s trails and perhaps the most diverse in its offerings. On the west, it begins at a junction with the MCT Nature Trail,...
IL 28.5 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
You can make connections all over the countryside from the Madison County Transit (MCT) Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail. The paved path travels 12.2 miles between the villages of Glen Carbon and...
IL 12.2 mi Asphalt
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
The Carlyle Lake Bike Trail is located in one of Southwest Illinois's most popular recreational areas, just 50 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri—not far from that area's abundance of great trails, as...
IL 10.3 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The first portion of the TREC (Trail Recreation Effingham County) system, totaling approximately 3 miles, is complete, although eventually 30 miles of county-wide bicycling and walking trails will be...
IL 3 mi Concrete
Named for the former Baltimore & Ohio (CSX) railroad bridge it passes under, the Trestle Trail provides a quiet short passage through the woods along Little Silver Creek on southeastern edge of the...
IL 0.3 mi Crushed Stone
The Veteran's Honor Trail is an asphalt trail that forms an incomplete ring around the community of Highland, Madison County. The paved trail provides a safe and enjoyable walking and biking route...
IL 5.1 mi Asphalt

Recent Trail Reviews

Rend Lake Bike Trail

whispering pine loop to north Sandusky campground

May, 2025 by bfxg2hcjbr

We started at whispering pine loop and turned around at north Sandusky campground, this trail ended here. Such a great trail a few crazy spots behind the lake, but a fun trail to ride all concrete trail. We got rained but that even made it a lot more fun. We laughed so much.

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.

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.

Accordion

Carlyle Lake Bike Trail

Which way do you go?

September, 2023 by jhoagland345

Agree with others that signage is needed. Riding the short distance by the lake was enjoyable on a sunny September day.

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.

Rend Lake Bike Trail

Amazing

May, 2023 by fdcqcwwgk7

It was really nice and I was riding a road bike. I went pretty fast definitely be careful on bridge going to fast super rough bc the gaps. Smooth ride and away from to much heat when going through woods.

Arches Rail Trail

First, here's the most accessible address: 194 Bremer Ln, Butler, IL 62015Second, this is a lovely hidden gem! It's very much a secluded and serene walk. It's mostly flat, too, with nice and wide trails. Very well maintained.

February, 2023 by mysticturtle123

First, here's the most accessible address: 194 Bremer Ln, Butler, IL 62015Second, this is a lovely hidden gem! It's very much a secluded and serene walk. It's mostly flat, too, with nice and wide trails. Very well maintained.

Arches Rail Trail

what a nice easy trail

January, 2023 by annmahoney2014

I walked this trail on a very unusually warm New Year’s day. It was 55°. Perfect for hiking. It was a little muddy, but not bad. It was so nice and peaceful. It is perfect if you are just starting to exercise after a major surgery. Perfectly level.

Rend Lake Bike Trail

Beautiful, well-maintained trail

October, 2022 by ghlord2011

We rode the west/north leg of the trail & it was a beautiful fall ride, with enough gradual hills & curves to keep it interesting. The trail is mostly away from the highway, and connects several beautiful campgrounds, in addition to the Visitor Center and Dam site. An enjoyable ride for two seniors!

MCT Nickel Plate Trail

short first hike

April, 2021 by rand4

It was an overcast, mid-forties day. Nice to hike if dressed right and bug free is a bonus on colder days. Met a few people using path but think maybe they were mainly locals using it as a means to get from one place to another. Definitely plan to do the whole length, by foot and bike.

MCT Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail

MCT trails = 130+ miles of mostly paved rail trails.

February, 2021 by dunhame

MCT trails = 130+ miles of mostly paved rail trails.

MCT Nickel Plate Trail

Late December

December, 2020 by doug91190

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.

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Accordion

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