Wheelchair-Friendly Trails to Explore Around Champaign-Urbana
Getting outside should feel welcoming and enjoyable for everyone—and in the Champaign-Urbana area, there are several options where that’s exactly the case. Whether you’re in the mood for wide-open prairie views, a peaceful wooded path, or a paved trail through town, you’ll find wheelchair-friendly options that make going out to explore a little easier.
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
2665 County Rd. 3500 North, Rankin
Part of the Champaign County Forest Preserves, Middle Fork is home to Illinois’ only International Dark Sky Park. The fully accessible Dark Sky Trail winds through tallgrass prairie and leads to some of the best stargazing spots in the region. The preserve’s observatory, complete with a retractable roof, offers an unforgettable way to take in the night sky. Whether you visit during the day or after sunset, this is a truly special place to explore.
Boulware Trail
1836–1910 Fox Dr., Champaign
Some of us are less outdoorsy and more “outsidey.” If that’s more your vibe, Boulware Trail is a great pick. This paved Champaign Park District trail runs north of Windsor Road through Mattis Park and continues toward State Street and Fox Drive. It’s leafy, relaxed, and perfect for a low-key outing.
Kickapoo Rail Trail
100 S. High Cross Rd., Urbana (behind Walmart)
Perfect for long distances, the Kickapoo Rail Trail starts behind Walmart in Urbana and stretches 6.7 miles to St. Joseph. This smooth, multi-use path takes you through a mix of woodland, prairie, and wetland scenery—some of the most diverse landscapes in central Illinois!
Meadowbrook Park and Wandell Sculpture Garden
2808 S. Race St., Urbana
With over 130 acres, three miles of paved paths, and more than two dozen sculptures scattered throughout, Meadowbrook Park—part of the Urbana Park District— is a beautiful way to enjoy creativity and fresh air at the same time. The trails wind through restored prairie, and it’s common to spot birds and other wildlife along the way.
Old Timber Trail at Allerton Park & Retreat Center
515 Old Timber Rd., Monticello
One of the newer additions at Allerton Park & Retreat Center, Old Timber Trail is a multi-use, bike-friendly path that runs from the west entrance to the Sun Singer statue. It’s a smooth, scenic route that makes it easier for more visitors to experience the beauty and artistry that Allerton is known for.
Lake of the Woods Bike Path
109 S. Lake of the Woods Rd., Mahomet
This 3.3-mile paved loop offers a little bit of everything—prairie, grassland, wooded areas, and a scenic covered bridge crossing the Sangamon River. It’s an easy, enjoyable ride or roll, with plenty of spots to pause and take in the view.
No matter the season, these trails make it easier to get outside and enjoy everything the Champaign-Urbana area has to offer. Pack a snack, bring a friend, or simply take some time for yourself. These paths are here to be explored, at whatever pace feels right.
Accessible CU
The trails highlighted are known for being wheelchair friendly. That said, accessibility is a much broader concept that encompasses many features. If you’re looking for more ways to explore, from restaurants and hotels to attractions and shops, be sure to check out our Accessible CU page. It highlights local businesses that have been evaluated by the College of Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Community Choices, making it easier to plan a visit that fits your needs.