Best Rail Trails Illinois
Whether you’re a cyclist, a hiker, a runner, an in-line skater, or an equestrian, you’ll find Best Rail Trails Illinois an indispensable resource when deciding on places to explore. The 42 trails featured in the book, ranging in length from 5 to 65 miles, take you alongside rivers, lakes, and canals throughout the state. You’ll get to know the Shawnee National Forest, you’ll learn about former Illinois train lines, and you’ll tour historic sites in cities like Joliet and Bloomington. Many trails are easily accessible from Chicago and St. Louis; others take you to places far off the beaten path where you’ll have many miles of trail all to yourself.
Readers get thorough descriptions of each trail, a detailed map for each, and an account of the natural and historic attractions along the way. Each chapter provides essential details like alternative starting points, trail surface information, and a listing of trailside amenities. After a day on the trail, the book will direct you to some of the best local eateries and accommodations.
Scroll down for the full table of contents.
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Centennial Trail
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
–The What and Why of Rail Trails
–Illinois Railroads
–Using This Guide
–Rules of the Trail
–Map Legend
Chicagoland
1. Centennial and I&M Canal Trails
2. Chicago Lakefront Path
3. Des Plaines River Trail
4. Fox River Path
5. Great Western Trail—DuPage County
6. Great Western Trail—Kane and DeKalb Counties
7. I&M Canal Trail
8. Illinois Prairie Path—Aurora and Elgin Branches
9. Illinois Prairie Path—Main Stem
10. Major Taylor Trail
11. North Branch Trail
12. North Shore Channel and Green Bay Trails
13. Old Plank Road Trail
14. Prairie and Hebron Trails
15. Robert McClory Trail
16. Salt Creek Trail
17. Virgil Gilman Trail
18. Wauponsee Glacial Trail
Northern Illinois
19. Hennepin Canal Trail
20. Hennepin Feeder Canal Trail
21. Jane Addams Trail
22. Long Prairie and Stone Bridge Trails
23. Lowell Parkway Trail
24. Mississippi River Trail, Quad Cities to Albany
25. Mississippi River Trail, Thomson to Fulton
Central Illinois
26. Constitution Trail
27. Decatur Trails
28. Green Diamond Trail
29. Interurban Trail
30. Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail
31. Lincoln Prairie Trail
32. Lost Bridge Trail
33. River Trail
34. Rock Island State Trail
Southern Illinois
35. Confluence Trail
36. Glen Carbon Heritage Trail
37. Metro East Levee Trail
38. Nickelplate and Quercus Grove Trails Loop
39. Rend Lake Trail
40. Schoolhouse, Goshen, and Nature Trails Loop
41. Tunnel Hill State Trail
42. Vadalabene Great River Road Trail
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