Experience the KRT
The Kickapoo Rail Trail is a 24.5 mile recreational trail with segments in Champaign and Vermilion counties in East Central Illinois, and will eventually link Kickapoo State Recreation Area to Champaign-Urbana and Danville. There’s so much to do, out on the trail!
Credit: Jake’s Aerial Photography
Explore the Trestle Bridge
One highlight of the trail is the 3,100 ft. long Trestle Bridge over the Middle Fork river, Illinois’s only national wild and scenic river. It towers 150 ft. over the valley below, and offers scenic views of both landscape and wildlife.
Get Wild: Along the Trail
The KRT traverses miles of former Illinois prairie, and crosses both the Salt Fork river and Illinois’s only national wild and scenic river, the Middle Fork. Many native species of flora and fauna have been preserved along stretches of the trail corridor, portions of which have laid undisturbed for over 200 years. The trail culminates with the dramatic trestle bridge crossing of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion river.
Learn, Dine, Shop
In addition to recreation and nature, many small communities and businesses dot the KRT, offering an exciting mix of activities, history and dining just off the trail. Interpretive displays at rest stops along the trail document the environmental as well as the manmade history of the East Central Illinois Prairie.
What People Are Saying
“The Kickapoo Rail Trail is a great place to walk or ride. It is safe and full of history. Take a walk from Saint Joseph. The old railroad bridge gives a nice view of the Salt Fork. A little farther on there are many original prairie plants. Something is always in bloom from early spring until late fall. I like to sit on one of the benches on the trail and listen to the birds singing.”
-Facebook Review
Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved and help the KRT! From cleaning and maintenance, to expansion and awareness, find out here how you can help preserve this regional treasure
Membership
The KRT is always free to enjoy. Membership in the Friends of the KRT offers a variety of options to financially support the development of trail amenities and expansion of the KRT.
Donate
From one-time life memberships to recurring annual donations, and even larger charitable gifts, every donation to the Friends of the KRT is 100% tax-deductible. All donations are invested back in the trail for expansion and maintenance.
Events
Whether it’s a ride, run, walk, or a community event in one of our many neighboring small towns, check out our latest and upcoming events!
These Businesses and Organizations Support the KRT
These local businesses and organizations have already joined in supporting the KRT through their contributions to the Friends of the Kickapoo Rail Trail as Community Sponsors:
- Obies Arctic Chill – Oakwood
- Jocko’s Pizza – Danville
- The Vermilion Co. Conservation District
- Danville Beltone Hearing Aid Service
- Champaign Beltone Hearing Aid Center
- The Prairie Cycle Club
- The Forest Preserve Friends Foundation
- The Oakwood Mens Club
- The Fithian Women’s Club
- The Prairie Chapter of the Sierra Club
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