Question 1

How long is the trail?

Accepted Answer

The trail, when fully completed, will be 24.5 miles in length. It parallels Rt 150 for most of the route, and spans from Main Street in Urbana to the Vermilion County fairgrounds entrance, just west of Danville.

Question 2

Who owns the trail?

Accepted Answer

The trail, which is built on a retired railroad corridor, is located in two counties: Champaign and Vermilion. In Champaign County, it is owned by the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, and in Vermilion County it is owned by the Vermilion County Conservation District. The bridge over the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River in Vermilion County is owned by the IL Department of Natural Resources. The rail corridor was purchased in the winter of 2013/2014.

Question 3

What uses are permitted along the trail?

Accepted Answer

The trail can be used for non-motorized, recreational uses, such as hiking, running, cycling, skateboarding, and cross-country skiing. No motorized vehicles are allowed other than for maintenance or accessibility purposes. E-bikes are currently under consideration.

Question 4

What is the timeline for trail construction?

Accepted Answer

​Converting  an abandoned railroad into a publicly accessible off-street multi-use  trail is a lot of work. From dreaming, to planning, to getting other  organizations involved and figuring out who will do what, to identifying  land to buy, finding the money for it, and actually buying the land,  then finally building the trail itself – every step has required a ton  of coordination and time. From when the first money was raised, it was  still 20 years before ground broke on the KRT. But from another  perspective, almost half the trail (11.3 of the 24.5 planned miles*) has  been built just 8 years after the acquisition in 2014.

Miles constructed:
Vermilion County: 3.1
Champaign County: 8.2

Additional miles planned:
Vermilion County: 8.7
Champaign County: 4.5

Total miles:
Vermilion County: 11.8
Champaign County: 12.7

Question 5

How can I stay up-to-date on Kickapoo Rail Trail construction?

Accepted Answer

You can “like” us on Facebook.com/kickapoo.railtrail and check the "updates" page on this website.

Question 6

How wide is the trail?

Accepted Answer

The  trail is ten feet wide with two foot shoulders on each side. This is  the standard width for new multi-use trails to allow cyclists, runners,  and walkers to use it simultaneously, pass each other safely, and avoid  possible conflicts or collisions.

Question 7

What is the trail surface material?

Accepted Answer

The  trail surface consists primarily of compacted, crushed limestone.  Crushed stone is popular as a trail surface because it holds up well  under heavy use and can complement the aesthetics of the natural  landscape. It can also accommodate nearly every trail user (with the  exception of inline skaters). Approaches to roadways that intersect with  the trail will be improved with asphalt for safety and sustainability.  The trail may also be upgraded to asphalt or concrete within the  confines of some of the communities along the route, if those  jurisdictions desire. Paved options are more expensive than compacted  limestone so additional funding would be needed to make those upgrades.

Question 8

Why do trees and other vegetation need to be removed to build the trail?

Accepted Answer

During  the construction stage, many trees and shrubs will be removed to make  the trail safe and accessible. Most of these woody plants have grown up  in the years since the railroad was in use. The mowing and cutting of  trees can appear devastating, and may seem the antithesis of  conservation, but this is the first step in creating a corridor with  more diverse and plentiful native plants and wildlife.
 
The  native flora was primarily prairie before the railroad was built.  Railroad use kept the ground free of trees and shrubs. When the line was  retired by the railroad, time has allowed pioneering woody species to  take over. The former railway is dominated by a small number of species,  several of which are invasive, such as bush honeysuckle, autumn olive,  and mulberry. These fast growing trees and shrubs can quickly create an  overstory that shades out the prairie from above, and changes the soil  microbial community below. The current removal of trees and shrubs  within the construction limits of the trail will provide more daylight  and rejuvenate the historical native plant composition along the trail.
 
The  native pioneering tree species that are abundant along the trail,  including hackberries and black walnuts will be preserved to the extent  possible as long as they do not impede construction efforts.​

Question 9

How can trail users gain access?

Accepted Answer

In Urbana, users can park at Weaver Park, an Urbana Park District site  located approximately one half mile from the trail’s western terminus,  or in the northeast row of parking in the Walmart parking lot.
 
In St. Joseph, users can utilize public parking spaces on Main St., Fourth Street, and in St. Kolb Park.
​
In Ogden,

For Vemilion County access, there is a trailhead west of the Trestle Bridge and parking in downtown Oakwood.
​
Visit the Access Points page on this website to learn more.

Question 10

What could I see as I walk or ride the Kickapoo Rail Trail?

Accepted Answer

The  Kickapoo Rail Trail traverses some of the most beautiful terrain in  central Illinois. Trail users will see native prairie, wetland, two  rivers (including the only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River  in the state) and forested areas, along with the diverse flora and fauna  that thrive within these habitats. The trail is built upon an historic  railroad that carried goods and passengers across the Midwest and, for  most of its route, the trail also parallels the Interurban Railroad that  carried passengers from town to town in central Illinois. Interpretive  signs along the trail will also tell the story of Illinois’ agriculture,  as well as the journey that Abraham Lincoln rode on horseback or by  buggy along and near this route while he served as an attorney on the  8th Judicial Circuit.
​
Visit the Nature and History Along the Trail page on this website to learn more.

Question 11

Will volunteers be allowed to help with construction?

Accepted Answer

There  will be volunteer opportunities associated with the maintenance of the  Kickapoo Rail Trail; however, construction of the trail will be left to a  professional construction firm. 
 
Persons interested in volunteer opportunities should contact the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, at volunteer@ccfpd.org.

Question 12

Are donations being accepted?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can help build more miles of trail, by making an online donation  or by mail to “Kickapoo Rail Trail” at PO Box 1040, Mahomet, IL 61853.  As the Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, all donations  are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
 
Local  businesses, corporations, individuals, or private foundations that are  interested in partnering in the trail construction project by making a  major gift can receive naming rights based on the level of contribution.  Contact Lorrie Pearson at the Champaign County Forest Preserve District  for more information, at lpearson@ccfpd.org.

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trail?

Who owns the trail?

What uses are permitted along the trail?

What is the timeline for trail construction?

How can I stay up-to-date on Kickapoo Rail Trail construction?

How wide is the trail?

What is the trail surface material?

Why do trees and other vegetation need to be removed to build the trail?

How can trail users gain access?

What could I see as I walk or ride the Kickapoo Rail Trail?

Will volunteers be allowed to help with construction?

Are donations being accepted?

If you have a question that is not answered here,
you can send an email to hq@ccfpd.org.

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trail?

Who owns the trail?

What uses are permitted along the trail?

What is the timeline for trail construction?

How can I stay up-to-date on Kickapoo Rail Trail construction?

How wide is the trail?

What is the trail surface material?

Why do trees and other vegetation need to be removed to build the trail?

How can trail users gain access?

What could I see as I walk or ride the Kickapoo Rail Trail?

Will volunteers be allowed to help with construction?

Are donations being accepted?

If you have a question that is not answered here, you can send an email to hq@ccfpd.org.​

If you have a question that is not answered here,
you can send an email to hq@ccfpd.org.