Hike

Spring is a great time to get out and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest. Join Menard County Trails & Greenways on April 18th at New Salem State Historic Site to explore the trails on the East Side of the park. Check in at our tent located in the parking lot of the old restaurant. We'll have: Volunteers available to describe the various trails and help you decide which one(s) your friends and family might like to explore. Trail maps available for self-guided exploration. Guided walks available on the hour from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.  What to expect:  Cardinal Trail and Shickshack Trails are each approximately 1 mile in length on the ridge top through the woods; both are relatively flat and kid friendly. Both trails connect to other two other trails--Shady Hollow and Damselfly--which connect to each other at the bottom of the ridge at the Sangamon River. It's possible to do all four trails for a nice 3.5 to 4 mile hike--though there is significant elevation change to consider. Recommended: Sturdy footwear and drinking water (we'll have a water cooler available for refilling your water bottle, but please arrive with a full bottle.) We'll be following current CDC guidelines. Please wear a mask and maintain 6 feet between people when interacting with others besides your family or circle of friends. Rain date: May 2nd, 1:00-5:00 PM

Trails & Greenways will be celebrating National Trails Day with a guided hike on the easy-going 1-mile long Cardinal Ridge Trail to explain the habitat restoration project, view the progress to date, and enjoy the plants and animals that call the forest their home. We'll depart from the parking lot on top of the hill across from Cardinal Ridge Trail trailhead and site of the old restaurant -- look for our table and banner on the north side of the parking lot under the shade trees. Dress for the weather, bring drinking water. National Trails Day is  celebrated on the first Saturday in June of each year. This event aims to bring together all trail enthusiasts, young and old, while honoring those who help maintain and preserve hiking trails for everyone to enjoy.   

Join us for a pleasant Autumn Hike on Saturday November 1 at 10 am at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area. We will meet at the parking and pavilion area at the end of Geiss Rd near Cox Creek. Exact location is linked to on this events page. This trail is a decommissioned road running along Cox Creek, so it is wide and smooth….perfect for chatting while hiking. All are welcome!   https://maps.app.goo.gl/UUj91BPyDpyijdtB6   BYO-Picnic: Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the hike under the pavilion with your fellow hikers.

Start the Year Right with a First Day Hike with Menard County Trails & Greenways! Join us for a fun and relaxed hike on the trails at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site to kick off 2026! Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a first-timer on the park's trails, it's the perfect way to start the year outdoors. You are welcome to hike any of the 7 miles of trails at New Salem, but Trails & Greenways will be offering a guided, interpreted experience along Cardinal Ridge Trail (1-mile) and Shickshack Trail (½-mile) located on the east side of the historic site. Event Details: When: January 1st, 10:30 AM Where: Meet in the parking lot at the top of the hill on the east side of the park Trail: Cardinal Ridge Trail (1-mile loop); Shickshack Trail (1/2-mile loop) Dress for the weather--layers are best; wear warm boots with good traction; hat, gloves/mittens. Stay hydrated--bring drinking water. Enjoy the fresh air, great company and the perfect way to begin the year outdoors. Thanks to New Salem and the Department of Natural Resources, "First Day Hike" stickers will be available for first-come, first-served hike participants. Should additional stickers be unclaimed, they may be obtained in the Visitor Center on January 2 or 3, 2026. Download a flyer and trail map here.

Grab a pair of comfy walking shoes and join us for an approximately 2.5 mile loop along some of Petersburg's historic and hilly streets will begin and end at the Menard County Courthouse. Join this leisurely hike and learn a bit of history of Petersburg's homes and buildings, and the lives of past residents. And who knows, maybe there'll be a bit of light friendly gossip about current residents too. :) Join us for camaraderie and a nice hike, and enjoy lunch or coffee on the square afterwards! We'll depart at 10:00 AM from the northwest corner of the square in downtown Petersburg -- corner of Douglas and 7th.