The best road cycling routes around Crab Orchard

There are 7 road cycling routes around Crab Orchard, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes traverse diverse landscapes within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.

Road cycling in Crab Orchard features diverse terrain, including oak hickory upland forests, bottomland hardwood forests, prairies, and wetlands. You'll find a mix of flat sections and gentle inclines, often alongside the region's three large lakes: Crab Orchard Lake, Little Grassy Lake, and Devil's Kitchen Lake.

Yes, Crab Orchard offers easy routes suitable for a more relaxed ride. For instance, the Roadbike loop from Cumberland Mountain State Park is an easy 22.0-mile path with less climbing, perfect for a quicker outing or those seeking a less strenuous experience.

The Crab Orchard Greenway (COG) is an ongoing development designed to connect Marion and Carbondale. Key segments are already constructed, including parts across the John A. Logan Campus and connections from Giant City Road to Reed Station Road, and Greenbrier Road to the Crab Orchard Campground. A significant project on Illinois Route 13 will add a dedicated bike and pedestrian path across Crab Orchard Lake, crucial for completing the Greenway and offering a continuous, safe route.

Absolutely. Within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, bicycling is permitted on roads open to motorized vehicles. The 9-mile Wildlife Drive, which includes Pigeon Creek Road, Stringtown Road, Post Oak Road, and North Wolf Creek Road, offers paved routes where cyclists can observe diverse wildlife like deer, turkey, owls, and various bird species. For more information on activities within the refuge, you can visit the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge website.

While cycling, you'll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, which includes three large lakes—Crab Orchard Lake, Little Grassy Lake, and Devil's Kitchen Lake. The refuge is also known for its diverse habitats, including forests, prairies, and wetlands, and is a haven for wildlife viewing. The Rocky Bluff Trail, though a hiking trail, is nearby and noted for its stunning vistas and sandstone bluffs.

Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, routes with significant elevation gain are available. The Lavender Knob loop from Cumberland Mountain State Park is a moderate 54.9-mile route that takes approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes to complete, featuring notable elevation through varied terrain.

The road cycling routes in Crab Orchard are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 2 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the scenic beauty of the National Wildlife Refuge, and the opportunities to observe nature.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Crab Orchard are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Spring Lake – Saint George Lake loop from Cumberland County, a moderate 39.0-mile route.

Many routes in the Crab Orchard area offer views of or pass by the region's beautiful lakes. The Spring Lake loop from Fairfield Glade is a moderate 26.6-mile route that will take you around Spring Lake, providing scenic waterside cycling.

Crab Orchard offers pleasant road cycling conditions through much of the year. Spring and fall generally provide comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery, with fall foliage being particularly beautiful. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions may vary, so checking local weather is advisable.

For those looking for longer rides, Crab Orchard has several options. The Roadbike loop from Cumberland Mountain State Park is a moderate 48.3-mile trail that can be completed in about 4 hours and 12 minutes, leading through diverse landscapes.