Explore 72 of the best rail-trails and multiuse pathways across three states. All across the country, unused railroad corridors have been converted to public multiuse trails. Here, the experts from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy present the best of these rail-trails, as well as other multiuse pathways in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Tour Ohios Amish country, take a ride along Chicagos lakefront, and enjoy the picturesque countryside on Indianas longest rail-trail. These adventures and more await you on the many multiuse trails of the Midwest! In this book, youll find: Detailed maps for every rail-trail, plus driving directions to trailheads - Icons indicating the activities each trail can accommodate - Succinct descriptions written by rail-trail experts You can now throw away all your self-help books on fighting depression, losing weight, toning muscles, finding something to do with your kids, and learning American history. Just use this guide, find a great trailand enjoy! Peter Harnik, Director, Center for City Park Excellence, Trust for Public Land Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to converting former railroad corridors to public, multiuse recreational trails that offer easy access to runners, hikers, bicyclists, skaters, wheelchair users, and equestrians. It serves as the national voice for more than 160,000 members and supporters, more than 23,000 miles of open rail-trails across the country, and more than 8,000 miles of potential trails waiting to be built―with a goal of ensuring a better future for America made possible by trails and the connections they inspire. To find out more about Rail-Trails, check out the Conservancy's official website at railstotrails.org. Lincoln Prairie Trail (Illinois) County Christian - Endpoints IL 29 at County Road 12/E. 350 North Road (Pana) to S. Paw Paw St. and E. Market St. (Taylorville) - Mileage 14.6 - Type Rail-Trail - Roughness Index 1 - Surface Asphalt - Uses Cycling, in-line skating, fishing, wheelchair access, walking, cross-country skiingWhile you’re in the land of Lincoln, visit the Lincoln Prairie Trail to make the trip complete. Starting at the trailhead in northwest Pana, leisurely stroll along a paved trail that is nicely separated from the rural highway. The route offers a fairly flat and straight shot to Taylorville with a combination of tree-canopied sections and more open areas. The trail skirts several active silos via on-road routes as it passes through Millersville and Owaneco, but these short diversions are well marked and located on very lightly traveled small-town roads. The trail is well woven into the local communities and surrounded by the region’s many farms. Depending on the time of year, you can find corn, soybean, and sunflower fields for many miles. One trail highlight is the stretch along Lake Taylorville and the South Fork Sangamon River on the north end of the route. At the time of this writing, the bridge over Flat Branch was closed; however, this closure doesn’t detract too much from the end-to-end experience. As you approach Taylorville, the development patterns become more suburban, and the trail ends unceremoniously at South Paw Paw Street. DIRECTIONS Parking can be found at the southeastern end of the trail in Pana. From I-70, take Exit 63 for US 51. Head north on US 51 for 29.6 miles. As US 51 N approaches Pana, it becomes Fair Ave. and then Poplar St. Near the center of town, Poplar St. intersects with Washington St.; turn left onto Washington, which is also IL 29. Follow Washington west and then northwest as the road curves 1.1 miles to E. 350 North Road; the trailhead parking lot is located on your left at this intersection. On the other end of the trail, parking is available in Taylorville. Follow the directions above to IL 29/Washington St. Turn left onto IL 29, and go 15.4 miles. Just after passing IL 48 in Taylorville, turn left onto E. Main Cross St. Go 0.4 mile to S. Paw Paw St., and turn left; in about 280 feet you will see the trail and the unpaved parking area on your left. CONTACT: panaillinois.org/trail.htm