This Historic Hike In Illinois Marks Abraham Lincoln's Most Traveled Path
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published March 28, 2019
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Few Illinoisans know that you can take a historic hike through the central part of the state that leads right down the path that Lincoln took. This paved rail-trail offers wonderful adventures you won’t want to miss.
If you love exploring diverse landscapes, you need to add this hike to your bucket list. Check it out:
The Lincoln Prairie Trail opened in 2001 as a unique outdoor opportunity for the residents of Christian County and visitors looking for an opportunity to get active. It is also one of the most interactive historical experiences you can find in the state.
This historic hike spans 14.8 miles and connects the cities of Pana and Taylorville. Whether you explore a little or a lot of it, you'll get to enjoy a wide range of different views.
The Lincoln Prairie Trail is ideal for hiking and biking. It is mostly paved and partly follows the B&O Railway, which was, in part, built to connect Springfield and Indianapolis (and eventually other communities).
The path allows users to take the exact route that Abraham Lincoln traversed during his years traveling the 8th Judicial Circuit as an attorney and as a judge. His spirit lives on this historic hike.
This near 15-mile paved path is very biodiverse. You'll find forestry, prairies, many species of wildlife and plants, as well as residential neighborhoods.
Locals enjoy this trail any time of the year. The views are lovely no matter the season, and it is always available to the public. The trail is mostly owned by the city of Pana and is cared for by the Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy.
If you find yourself looking for a breath of fresh air in central Illinois, this is the perfect place to breathe deep. It's an easy trail that is accessible for all.
In the future, this historic hike could expand to encompass more of this old railway. Today, it serves as a non-profit and charity that aims to preserve the trail.
