See the complete online registry for details of over 1,000 designated National Recreation Trails

Featured National Recreation Trails - Hosted by AmericanTrails.org

	Tunnel Hill State Trail

Tunnel Hill State Trail — Extending from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak, this 45-mile rail-trail connects numerous communities and provides a link to a larger trail network, including the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and Harrisburg's bike trail. This trail not only offers a variety of recreational opportunities (such as hiking, biking, and fishing), but trail users can also observe the wildlife habitat of the Cache River State Natural Area. Through its array of partners and community connections, this trail is connecting southern Illinois in a truly unique way (designated 2005).

Danada & Herrick Lake Regional Trail — Located in the western suburbs of Chicago, this 5-mile regional trail is a haven for area residents and promotes the educational, recreational, and health benefits of trails. The trail allows for a variety of outdoor activities amidst prairie, woodland, and marsh habitats within the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Interpretive trail signage helps visitors better understand the region's native flora and fauna. Bicyclists, equestrians, cross country skiers, and wildlife enthusiasts are just some of the groups who enjoy what this trail has to offer in a densely populated setting (designated 2004).

	Great River Trail through Moline, IL

Great River Trail — The 60-mile trail is part of a larger regional trail network, including the 500-mile Grand Illinois Trail and proposed 10-state Mississippi River Trail. The route includes a variety of tourist attractions and natural features including spectacular views of the Mississippi River, Native American mounds, and rookeries of the Great Blue Heron. This trail is a valued resource in the Greater Quad Cities region, which was the site of the 2006 National Trails Symposium (designated 2003).

Hennepin Canal Parkway — Spanning almost 173 miles across 3 counties, this multi-use trail system takes users through the rolling agricultural land of the western north central part of the state. The parkway allows for a variety of recreational activities along a historically significant resource, the nation's first canal constructed of concrete and the model for the Panama Canal. Within this unique setting, there are ample opportunities for biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and canoeing (designated 2004).

Lower Cache River Trail — This 3-mile trail is the result of a successful partnership between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Nature Conservancy, which is working to preserve, restore, and manage a 60,000-acre complex of wetlands. The trail and surrounding area contains true southern swamps, 100 state-threatened or endangered plant and animal species, and 11 state champion trees. In addition to its many natural resources, the trail also provides recreational opportunities including fishing and kayaking (designated 2002).

The Rock Island State Trail — This 27-mile rail-trail named after the abandoned Rock Island Railroad line, traverses central Illinois farmland through a variety of natural settings. The trail corridor preserves a piece of history amidst prairie grasses, wildflowers and trestle bridges. In addition to its natural and historic features, trail users can enjoy hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing (designated 2003).

Springbrook Prairie Trail — Located in a 1,800-acre oasis amidst the western suburbs of Chicago, this 9-mile loop trail system provides for a variety of recreational opportunities while protecting meadows, prairies, wetlands, and 3 state-endangered bird species. In addition to its rare ecological features, the trail allows for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. The trail continues to grow and will eventually link to a model aircraft field and an off-leash dog facility. Resulting from the efforts of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and local partners, this system is a model for future trail projects and a fine example of what can be achieved through a successful partnership (designated 2004).

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