NRT Database

Location: Southern Illinois, south of Mount Vernon at Rend Lake and Wayne Fitzgerald State Park.

State(s): Illinois
Counties: Franklin, Jefferson
Longitude: -88.94765
Latitude: 38.09055

Driving Directions

Take exit 71 off of I-57, head west for 2.7 miles, then turn right (which is north) onto Rend City Rd. and follow it for 3 miles. Many access points along any section of the trail.

Description

The Rend Lake Bike Trail offers over 19 miles of paved trail that meanders through some of the most diverse and scenic habitat that Southern Illinois has to offer. The trail passes though bottomland hardwoods, restored prairie grasslands, wetlands and riparian ecosystems. Its most compelling scenic feature is Rend Lake, second-largest man-made lake in Illinois, with 19,000 acres and 162 miles of shoreline. The trail skirts the southern and eastern sides of the lake, and will be 33 miles in length when remaining segments are completed. Plans also include the trail's extension to neighboring communities.

The trail was built as a result of the Southern Illinois Regional Bicycle Trails Plan. The planning and management team includes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Rend Lake Conservancy District, and Rend Lake College.

The trail connects many of the amenities of the Rend Lake recreation complex, including the Rend Lake Resort, Rend Lake Golf Course, campgrounds, beaches, picnic areas, Rend Lake Visitor Center, Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center, and Rend Lake College. Another distinctive attribute of the Rend Lake Bike Trail is its 14 miles of concrete surface, which allows people with disabilities excellent access to the scenic areas surrounding the lake.

Additional Details

Width: 120 inches.
Primary Surface: Concrete
Secondary Surface: Concrete
Gravel

Average Grade: 2%
Maximum Grade: 5%
Elevation Low Point: 385
Elevation High Point: 455
Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available

Year Designated: 2008

Supporting Webpages and Documents

Contact Information

For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails.

Trail Management:
Kevin Curran
U.S.A.C.E., Illinois Department
11981 Rend City Road
Benton, IL 62812
(618) 724-2493

Trail Management:
James Ford
Natural Resource Specialist, Facilities Management
U.S.A.C.E
11981 Rend City Rd.
Benton, IL 62812
(618) 724-2493
http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/rend