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Bicycling in Southern Illinois is easy and fun! Whether you re inclined
to stay on the payment or try unique trails, there are plenty of places
to ride. We recognize that half of the fun is exploration and we are
confident that you will not be disappointed with the interesting side
trips. Southern Illinois is not flat. Millions of years ago, a great
geological upheaval, combined with the pushing of material by glaciers
to the north, produced the scenic and picturesque hills, valleys, and
bluffs that make this land so unique. Further shaping of the land
occurred from the action of wind and water, creating fantastic rock
formations and carving gorges and canyons. Here you will also find a
wide variety of plants and animals. Bird lovers will enjoy the variety
of rare species not found anywhere else in the state.
The best source for routes, trails and highways is the official
Illinois Bicycle Map #9 for the Shawnee Region .
Call 618-629-1819 or
email
info@advantureillinois.com
to request one at no charge.
Biking Trails in Southern Illinois
Tunnel Hill State Trail
The Tunnel Hill Trail is a 45 mile long rail trail beginning in
Harrisburg and traversing the old Norfolk-Southern Railroad past Karnak.
The smooth hard packed limestone surface, gentle grades and freedom from
auto traffic is ideal for leisure riding time for the whole family.
Landmarks include 23 picturesque trestles; the highest is the Breeden
Trestle at 90 feet. The tunnel is 543 feet long and located just 1/4
mile south of Tunnel Hill. Terrain ranges from flat farm country to fern
covered bluffs and lush wetland. Seven trail heads allow for parking
lot, picnic area, rest rooms and water. For brochure/map call
800-248-4373 or email:
info@adventureillinois.com
Trans-America Bicycle Trail
The Trans-America Bicycle route enters the state at Chester and
continues east through the Shawnee Forest to Cave in Rock. To request
TransAmerica Bicycle Trail maps call 800-721-8719 or go to
www.adventurecycling.org
Rend Lake Bike Trail
The Rend Lake Bike Trail Runs from Rend Lake College south through Wayne
Fitzgerald State Park to the North Marcum Recreation area. The trail is
more than nine miles long. Some of the trail is covered with concrete
and the rest is covered with limestone. 618-724-2493
Other Contacts:
Shawnee National Forest
Hwy 145 South, Harrisburg, IL 62946
800-MY-WOODS
http://www.sos.state.il.us
Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources
One Natural Resource Way
Springfield, Il 62702-1271
217-782-7454
http://www.dnr.state.il.us
League of Illinois Bicyclists
2935 Barberry Court
Aurora, IL 60504
630-978-0583
http://www.bikelib.org/index/htm
Illinois Trail Conservancy
144 W. Main St., Capron, IL 61012
http://www.comnet1.net/illtrails/
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