Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapThis trail through the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve shows off Central Illinois' great natural beauty. Starting from the west, the trail meanders through a wonderfully restored prairie. It passes by a beautiful botanical garden and woods, then on across a covered bridge at the Sangamon River with more river views and woods to follow. One can also go off-trail, onto the paths and roadways of the Forest Preserve, to see its other popular features: a museum, lake, bell tower, golf course and more.
Although a short stretch (0.3 mile) in the middle of the route is on-road, it's clearly marked with trail signs and the roadway is suitably wide for both car traffic and trail goers. The shared-use roadway has a hard oil and gravel surface.
The trail is well maintained and popular with residents of the adjacent community of Mahomet. At the crossing of State Route 47, this trail intersects the Mahomet Village Bike Tail, which provides access to downtown and other parts of Mahomet.
From I-74, take Exit 172 to State Route 47 (N. Lombard St.) and turn north. Proceed about 1100 feet and turn left into the parking lot. The trail crosses the highway at the north end of the lot. There are smaller parking lots at the west and east ends of the trail.
Went in early March and there wasn’t much color in the landscape, but it was a nice, easy stroll. Saw a road runner and maybe a quail, so a nice place for birding. We parked in the Buffalo Trace lot.
But be warned at the entrance of the trail on Prairie view Road it has quite a bit of heaved asphalt and you don’t see it until it’s too late, other than that issue at the beginning most of it is smooth going, there are plenty of hills, twists and turns and beautiful scenery.
My daughter uses a wheelchair and we all really felt like we could enjoy the park on this path. The whole area is extremely accessible!
We parked at the Buffalo Trace parking lot just north of I-74 on Route 47. Direct trail access at this point. We rode it west to the end, which is about a mile through beautiful prairie. (There is parking at the west end also.)
Then we returned and rode it all the way to the east end, which pops you out into a residential neighborhood. (It's only 3.3 miles total.)
But the real beauty of this trail is that at about the midpoint it connects seamlessly with the Mahomet city trail in the woods at the golf course. From there you can ride south and end up in Mahomet at Route 47 and then ride north up the east shoulder back to the Buffalo Trace parking lot. The Route 47 shoulder is a full car width , paved and perfectly safe. So, you can ride a complete loop back to your car. Nice!
A really nice, fully paved circuit through prairie, forest and town.
A very enjoyable trial to walk, run or ride. Terrain varies from level to slight but easy incline. Tree covered and fallows Sangamon River. Also links up with Mahomet township bike path that extends length. Rest rooms and water fountains easily found along the way. Points of interest at many areas to learn more about the area.
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.
This was a great ride. An easy trail winding through the trees along the river. It is a mostly secluded trail although there are a couple of areas where you need to watch for vehicles.
What a great nature trail, with so much more! Any time of year, the trail and park are beautiful! The link under Explore Related Content is a very good introduction to the park features and amenities. So close to the Interstate, this should be even more visited by travelers than it is. It is already more than popular with the local folks.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
