CU on the Trail!
Expiration: 365 days after purchase
Discover some of the most vibrant natural spaces in the Champaign-Urbana area! CU on the Trail is an invigorating way to explore our region's forest preserves, nature walks, leafy paths, and more. Check-in to 20 locations, and win an exclusive, limited-edition t-shirt designed by local illustrator David Michael Moore.
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Length: 1.0 miles
Open 24 hours
Wheelchair and stroller friendly
Dogs allowed on leash
The only International Dark Sky Park in the state of Illinois, Middle Fork Forest Preserve recently broke ground on its newest (and fully accessible) trail, open for stargazers!
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: .8 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
With rolling prairie dotted with grasses and wildflowers, this short trail winds past planted groves and open areas where young trees are naturally reclaiming the landscape.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: 1.2 miles (out and back)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
An excellent way to see birds during the day, this trail is also ideal for stargazing at night!
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: 1.4 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
This trail passes through habitats where deer and pheasants are often seen. Watch for signs of past farming (which last occurred in the mid-1970s)—you'll see young trees reclaim old fields through natural succession.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: 1.5 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Wheelchair & stroller accessible in one section
Dogs allowed on leash
Constructed in 2014, the Old Miner’s Trail features a 1/4-mile ADA-accessible section that winds past towering oaks and frog-filled ponds.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: 2.0 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
This trail winds along rich oak-hickory forest and restored prairie, offering views of the Middle Fork River, Point Pleasant wetland, abundant wildlife, and the historic site of an 1850s Champaign County post office.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Suggested selfie spot: 40.36928° N, 87.96856° W
Length: 2.2 miles
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
This trail leads to the southern edge of the preserve, offering scenic views of the Middle Fork River. Watch for beaver-chewed saplings and deer tracks along the way.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: 2.2 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
This trail winds through oak-hickory forest, wildflower-filled prairie, and river bottomland. Watch for beavers, raccoons, and white-tailed deer!
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: 1.2 miles
Open 8am to sunset
Wheelchair and stroller friendly
Dogs allowed on leash
A new addition to the Allerton trails, this multi-use, bike-friendly path runs from the park's west entrance to the Sun Singer statue.
Length: .5 miles
Open 8am to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
This newly added Allerton trail features scenic, rolling terrain and views of the pond and historic barns.
Length: 1.0 mile
Open 8am to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
This newly added, family-friendly trail crosses a boardwalk, ending in a beautiful prairie.
Length: .8 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
Winding along a portion of the Sangamon River, this trail is dotted with large legacy oak trees.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Suggested selfie spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LghYks8MpxXGB8xw9?g_st=am 40°16'38.2"N 88°21'17.5"W
Length: 3.0 miles
Open 8am to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A newer addition to the Allerton trails, this path overlooks the Sangamon River.
Length: .9 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A grassy, well-maintained trail that serves as a peaceful escape. Ideal for kids, but it can be muddy—prepare accordingly!
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Suggested selfie spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FM6UTyyuAwSZHiFWA?g_st=am 40°16'38.9"N 88°20'52.9"W
Length: .5 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A short loop that's great for kids, this trail is grassy, wide, and tranquil.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Suggested selfie spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aR9GmwFL2MPkLyFK9?g_st=am 40°16'40.4"N 88°21'01.9"W
Length: 1.8 miles (loop)
Open 6am to 11pm
Wheelchair and stroller friendly
Dogs allowed on leash
Located along tree-lined Asa Creek and prairie grasses, this accessible trail is paved and perfect for joggers, hikers, and families.
Length: 11.0 miles (out and back)
Open sunrise to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
The Chief Illini Trail, a National Recreation Trail, offers a long, scenic route along Lake Shelbyville. Winding through rolling hills and open prairie, it provides close-up lake views and can be started from either Lone Point Recreation Area (noted here) or Eagle Creek State Park.
Length: 1.5 miles
Open sunrise to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
Located at the entrance of Okaw Bluff Group Camp, this trail winds along a lakeside bluff and borders a 100-acre wetland. Watch for great blue herons, spotted sandpipers, and Canada geese!
Length: 2.0 miles (loop)
Open sunrise to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
This trail winds through beautiful forest bluffs, lakeside views, and woodsy areas that make the trip to Sullivan well worth it.
Length: 2.4 miles (loop)
Open sunrise to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
If you're looking to immerse yourself into a more rural setting, the Orange Trail at Camp Camfield is ideal, with picturesque rolling hills.
Length: 2.5 miles (loop)
Open sunrise to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
If you're up for a day trip, Camp Camfield near Lake Shelbyville boasts three pictureque trails. The Blue Trail is easy to follow with great views of the lake.
Length: 2.3 miles (loop)
Open sunrise to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
Owned by the Land Conservation Foundation, the Sangamon River Corridor Reserve includes the Bruce Hannon Levee Trail. This is considered a rugged, or rustic, loop—so prepare accordingly! Orange signage will guide you along the way.
Length: 1.2 miles (loop)
Open 8am to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
This is one of Allerton's most unique trails—it's also a visitor favorite. Along with scenic views of the Sangamon River, the Bear and Man of the Stone Age sculpture, and the Gorilla Carrying Off a Stone-Age Woman sculpture, it culminates in the enchanting Fu Dog Garden and Vine Walk.
Length: .8 miles (loop)
Open 8am to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A shorter trail, surrounded by honey locust, elms, oaks, and hickories, that begins and ends near the iconic Sun Singer statue.
Length: 2.1 miles (loop)
Open 8am to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
This trail starts at the park's Sunken Garden, winds through an oak/hickory forest full of woodpeckers, and ends near the Allerton Mansion's Reflecting Pond.
Length: 2.6 miles (loop)
Open 8am to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
With views of the Sangamon River and trees over five feet in diameter, this trail serves as a fantastic approach to the park's Cenatur statue. This summer, watch for great blue herons, wood ducks, and beavers!
Length: 2.2 miles (loop)
Open 8am to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
This trail, which crosses oak/hickory bottomlands and uplands forest, features a mysterious lost garden, with a large concrete pad that served as a foundation for a tea house, pillars, a short wall, and plantings.
Length: 2.4 miles (loop)
Open 8am to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
This trail runs through oak-hickory upland forest, with unique high-vantage point views of the Sangamon River. Keep an eye out for great blue herons and beavers!
Length: 3.0 miles (loop)
Open 8am to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
This trail winds around one of the oldest restored demonstration prairies in Illinois. Watch for white-tailed deer, woodcocks, and Big bluestem grass!
Length: 1.4 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
The preserve's only trail winds along the Sangamon River and is notable for its bluebells in early spring. Note: Because it's on a floodplain, the trail can get muddy, so prepare accordingly!
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Suggested selfie spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G7Mffg5rt2SLuKPcA?g_st=am 40°15'28.7"N 88°23'03.7"W
Length: 1.3 miles
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
Traversing the entire preserve, this trail offers gorgeous views of Sunset Lake, the largest public lake in Champaign County, and offers great bird- and deer-watching opportunities.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Suggested selfie spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/okYqm1DUVGu8axgD7?g_st=am 40°10'57.2"N 88°25'47.4"W
Length: 1.2 miles
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
River Bend Forest Preserve, which is located south of Mahomet, includes this trail, which starts near the Possibility Pier and follows the Sangamon River.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Suggested selfie spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/p9EUr72oirxTQNiWA?g_st=am 40°10'54.5"N 88°25'56.8"W
Length: .21 miles
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
Situated close to the lake itself, this trail winds between the golf course and Sangamon River, ending near the Covered Bridge.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Suggested selfie spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xP49P1TXyZNt9PHi8?g_st=am 40°12'14.2"N 88°23'07.8"W
Length: .43 miles
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
Located across from the Museum of the Grand Prairie, this trail is great for families—it features the museum's "Storywalk," a self-guided reading experience along the path.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Suggested selfie spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rryPVPjZQeHB4cWe6?g_st=am 40°12'21.0"N 88°23'23.7"W
Length: 3.3 miles
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Wheelchair and stroller friendly
Dogs allowed on leash
This paved trail winds through prairie, grassland, woods, and features a scenic covered bridge that crosses the Sangamon River.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Suggested selfie spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bitF3J4G9WGCwSrj7?g_st=am 40°12'33.3"N 88°22'44.7"W
Length: .53 miles
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
This forested walk is in Stidham Woods, connected to Lake of the Woods on the east side. Perfect for bird-watching!
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Suggested selfie spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xo5XQgYX8KXKtr3E9?g_st=am 40°12'46.7"N 88°22'03.8"W
Length: .5 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A short woodland walk (fun fact: some trees are believed to be 175+ years old! ), this trail is full of perennial spring wildflowers native to Illinois.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Suggested selfie spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wdfcCi2GKEy2b1nW7?g_st=am 40°12'12.2"N 88°23'22.4"W
Length: 5.0 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
Enjoy a mix of open prairie, woodland, and wildlife throughout this popular trail, with both paved and unpaved portions.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Suggested selfie spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1qMitrERREWXq4cA7?g_st=am 40°12'10.7"N 88°24'10.8"W
Length: .1 miles
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A very brief path that winds through a 200-year-old sugar maple grove. You can even learn how maple sugaring is made—the Champaign County Forest Preserve offers classes in the late winter.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: .15 miles
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A satellite park of Homer Lake, Hidden Acres features the Paw Paw Trail, a brief hiking experience in which you may find the paw paw fruit—the largest edible fruit native to the US.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: .3 miles
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A walkable trail that's perfect for a shorter hiking experience.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: .6 miles
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A satellite park of Homer Lake, Hidden Acres features this easy trail that features vibrant native wildflowers.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: .62 miles
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A quiet, picturesque trail that begins at Collins Pond and overlooks the Salt Fork River.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: .94 miles
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A flat trail that can be muddy at times, it's also a lovely place to see bluebells on the forest floor, along with other flowers in bloom.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: 1.2 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A quiet, woodsy trail where deer sightings are likely.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: 4.6 miles (loop)
Open from 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A serene, easy-level trail with peaceful prairie and lake views.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: 1.9 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A shaded trail that's ideal for walkers and hikers who enjoy the woods.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: 0.68 miles (loop)
Open 7am to 30 minutes after sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
A perfect "intro" hike at Homer Lake with grassy trails and prairie views.
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: 1 mile (loop)
Open sunrise to sunset
Dogs allowed on leash
As a starting point for the Kickapoo Rail Trail, Weaver Park—part of the Urbana Park District—also features a one-mile unpaved loop that winds through several restored habitats, including woodland, savanna, native grass, prairie, and wetland natural areas.
Length: 3 miles paved (loop); 2 miles unpaved
Open sunrise to sunset
Wheelchair & stroller friendly on paved loop
Dogs allowed on leash
Part of the Urbana Park District, Meadowbrook Park features 3 miles of multi-use paved paths, along with an additional 2 miles of unpaved trails that meander through prairie grasses and stream corridors. Along the way, enjoy the Wandell Sculpture Garden, which spotlights awe-inspiring works from both local and national artists.
Length: 8.5 miles (out & back)
Open from 7 am to 30 minutes after sunset
Wheelchair & stroller friendly
Dogs allowed on leash
Starting at Weaver Park in Urbana, this planned 24.5-mile, multi-use recreational trail currently spans 7 miles to St. Joseph (and another 1.5 in Ogden). You can find another access point near the Urbana Walmart parking lot at 100 S. High Cross Rd. The trail is perfect for walking, running, biking, and even bringing your pets, as long as they're leashed (and you pick up after them!).
In collaboration with the Champaign County Forest Preserves 2025 Trails Challenge. Sign up today to explore 31 incredible trails throughout the preserves, track your progress, and earn chances to win awesome prizes along the way!
Length: 1.3 miles (loop)
Open sunrise to sunset
Busey Woods, part of the Urbana Park District, boasts a walking/hiking trail among its 59-acre bottomland Oak-Hickory forest. It's an ideal location for birdwatching, as well as appreciating its native spring wildflowers.
Length: 1.71 miles (loop)
Open sunrise to sunset
Wheelchair & stroller friendly
Dogs allowed on leash
Part of the Champaign Park District and nestled inside the Robert C. Porter Family Park, this loop walking trail features a pond, restored prairie area, and native plantings.
Length: 1.25 miles
Open from sunrise to sunset
Wheelchair & stroller friendly
Dogs allowed on leash
Part of the Champaign Park District, this leafy, walking and biking trail extends north of Windsor Road, through Mattis Park, and ends near State Street and Fox Drive.
Length: 1.44 miles
Open from sunrise to sunset
Wheelchair & stroller friendly (may need to avoid unpaved & railroad crossing section)
Dogs allowed on leash
Part of the Champaign Park District, the Greenbelt Bikeway Trail passes through three parks: Dodds Park, Heritage Park, and Kaufman Park.