Carbondale adds new campsites, improves trails at Cedar Lake

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — The city of Carbondale has announced improvements to trails and the addition of 10 primitive campsites at Cedar Lake, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors.

According to a city news release issued Tuesday, Oct. 27, the improvements include two multiuse trails designed for hikers and mountain bikers.

Cedar Lake has served as Carbondale’s water reservoir since 1974. The 1,750-acre lake has long been used for fishing, boating and swimming at Poplar Camp Beach.

The Cedar Lake Trail consists primarily of new sections constructed using funding from a Recreational Trails Program grant awarded two years ago. The trail runs closer to the lake and is marked with blue diamonds.

The Woodland Trail incorporates much of the existing trail system and travels primarily through wooded areas farther from the water. It is marked with green diamonds.

Sections where the two trails overlap are marked with both blue and green diamonds. Other connecting trails are marked with white diamonds and directional arrows.

The city has also established 10 primitive campsites at the north end of Cedar Lake.

The campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days, and camping is permitted only in designated areas.

Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings and cannot be left unattended.

Campers must follow Leave No Trace principles. The city prohibits permanent structures, attaching nails to trees, disturbing the ground and cutting down trees for firewood.

A map showing the trails, markers and campsite locations is available on the city’s website.

For more information, contact Cedar Lake Management at 618-549-8441 or estead@carbondaleil.gov.