Explore
Carlyle Lake Bike Trail
Clinton County, IL | 65 Miles
Type: Trail
Owned by: City of Carlyle and US Army Corps of Engineers at Carlyle Lake
Our role: HeartLands Conservancy assisted with a trails planning effort for the Carlyle Lake Trails in 2010.
Hours: More information here at City of Carlyle’s Website
Location & Directions
Begin at the Carlyle Lake Visitor’s Center (and pick up a map, too!)
Trails & Facilities
The 10.3-mile Carlyle Lake Bike Trail is maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers and provides breathtaking views of the state’s largest man-made lake. The trail is generally flat and easy to ride.
The Bike Trail connects to another 10 miles of bike routes in the City of Carlyle’s tree-lined streets and spans over the Kaskaskia River via the General Dean Suspension Bridge.
The longer 65-mile Carlyle Lake Extended Bike Route circles the entire lake using county and township roads without dedicated bike trails or signs. Better for experienced cyclists.
Wildlife & Habitat
Carlyle Lake is known for the incredible abundance of wildlife, including migratory birds, water birds, ducks, turtles, fish, and a variety of other animals.
Regulations
Rules and regulations are posted on signs along the trail.
Overview
Carlyle Lake Bike Trail
Carlyle Lake is Illinois’ largest man-made lake created by damming a portion of the Kaskaskia River at Carlyle. It’s now a major recreation destination known for bird-watching, hiking, fishing, camping, boating, and miles of scenic bike trails.
The Carlyle Lake Bike Trail is a collaborative effort between the City of Carlyle and the US Army Corps of Engineers at Caryle Lake. Within the City of Carlyle, there are a series of bike routes and trails and the historic General Dean Suspension Bridge. The US Army Corps of Engineers maintains trails along many of the dams along the Lake.
If you would like to find out more about how to create a new public trails, feel free to call Laura Lyon at (618) 566-4451 ex 22 or email her at la********@*******************cy.org
You may find information on our Trails Page and Ways to Give page helpful, too.