Buffalo Trace Prairie Trails See Significant Updates
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Did you know that many of the trails through the preserved areas in Mahomet were originally traveled and worn by buffalo and bison? According to the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, even Highway 74 was once a bison migration route. The Buffalo Trace Prairie Trails are also named for buffalo prairie paths, now maintained for use by runners, walkers, and bicyclists.
A 1.2 mile paved bike path connects the Crowley Road and Hwy 47 entrances, and continues across Hwy 47 to Lake of the Woods.
Signage at both ends of the bike path also directs hikers, walkers, and runners through miles of prairie grass and wooded trails.
Parking and restrooms are available at both entrances, and several picnic tables are located at the Hwy 47 entrance.
Most of the paths are in full sun, so sun protection is advised. The paths are also surprisingly hilly, which makes for a few beautiful viewpoints, but children will tire.
Regular walkers, runners, and bikers along the Buffalo Trace trails know that the paved and prairie paths often see changes and updates with the seasons. From controlled burns to newly mown grass paths, change is part of the natural maintenance process. Additionally, the CCFPD consistently assesses the needs of visitors and makes updates accordingly. Building from the 2024 renovation to the bike path, there are several new elements that will make Buffalo Trace an accessible and hospitable destination for nature enthusiasts.
In the past few months, two ADA-accessible observation areas have been constructed: one close to the Crowley Road (western) entrance, looking into an oak forest, and the other near the middle of the trail, overlooking the prairie. These are intended for people to take breaks and enjoy their surroundings. The CCFPD construction team was able to recycle soil dug for other projects and move it to Buffalo Trace to build up these areas. Eventually, signage will be placed on at least one of the observation areas.
There is now a restroom at the Crowley Road entrance, which was a common request sourced from public feedback in July 2022. There are restrooms on both ends of the Buffalo Trace bike path.
Several benches have been added along the bike path at Buffalo Trace. The hope is that providing frequent places to rest helps make the path more accessible to all ages and abilities.
The picnic tables at the Lombard/47 (eastern) lot of Buffalo Trace have been replaced, including one that has been added under a new shelter.
A new fitness station has been added near the Lombard/47 (eastern) entrance. Signage will soon be installed to show people how to use the machine.
Further planned updates include adding trees in a few spots, adding native landscaping in the eastern parking lot median, and adding/refreshing bike racks and bike repair stations near both parking lots. The trailhead signage near both lots will be updated with new maps and regulations.
Grant funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) paid for 50% of these improvements.
Later this summer, we plan to post a comprehensive guide to using the trails at Lake of the Woods and Buffalo Trace. What questions do you have? Reach out to us at EverythingMahomet@mahometpubliclibrary.org!