Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Urbana, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This is one of my favorite trails and I’ve probably biked over a hundred. It’s a good workout and also relaxing because it’s straight, mostly flat, and bordered by wildflowers and butterflies. I’d avoid the town portions in both Mattoon and Charleston, going park to park from the east of Mattoon to the west of Charleston. This is still about a ten mile stretch each way. There is only one crossing that’s at all iffy - the top of a hill both ways just east of the golf course. Otherwise just a super calm ride.
This summer they are about half way done with making an abandoned railroad bridge across the Wabash River as a spur off the circle trail. My information only comes from articles I’ve read but have seen photos of the work in progress. This is exciting. And yes, the trail really needs some maintenance on buckled asphalt but it is still one of our favorites since it is only 45 minute drive from our home in Illinois. Lots of shade, wildlife and so peaceful and low traffic.
The newest addition to the trail nearly makes it a full circle. The CCT is one of the state’s best biking trails. It weaves it around the country side through some wooded parts of the area. The terrain can be a challenge as it is a fairly steep grade to tackle on a hot and humid day. All I all, it’s a great trail to ride.
The Bridge is fixed full trail now
The segment east of Charleston is not paved. It's only a mile but if you are a trail completionist, be prepared for a rough ride for that mile or and back. Closer to a field road than a trail.Rest of the trail was perfect.
The Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail pavement has been extended 6 blocks further west to the YMCA parking lot and a beautiful new park on 16th Street.
The final section of this trail along the wabash river on the west side was officially completed first week of August…the trail is now a complete “circle” and just under 7 miles in length.
I’ve walked this multiple times, both alone and with grandkids. Parking is excellent and there are picnic table and benches at the site and on the Wabash bridge itself. The high sides of the first portion of the former railroad bridge obstructs views but it opens up to steel trestle for scenic river views. Beyond the bridge the trail is enjoyable with tributory on the left and woods/fields on the right. Unfortunately the trail ends at the active railroad tracks and a picnic table. Plans to extend are apparently underway. Train watching is fun at the terminus. Make it a real walk by walking through the nearby parks, downtown, and stopping at the Tasty Freeze for great ice cream.
Really love this trail, hometown trail and ride it 3-4 times a week. Only thing I wish is they would improve some of the paved trail that needs fixing (cracks/etc)
My first trail ride from near the Vermilion County Fairground to the west edge of Oakwood. Very nice ride. Nice scenery along the route. I only wish it was completed so I could go all the way to Urbana.
This is a beautiful trail! It meanders nearly 6 miles with many gentle curves and hills and very few straightaways. It is almost entirely wooded and runs along the lovely creek most of the way. There are a number of bridges to go over and under. The track itself is clean and in great condition. There are 3-4 manhole covers go watch out for. Thoroughly enjoyed!
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