Carbondale expands outdoor recreation at Cedar Lake with improved trails, new campsites

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI — The city of Carbondale is expanding outdoor recreation opportunities at Cedar Lake with improved hiking and biking trails and the addition of 10 primitive campsites.

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

City officials said recent improvements have expanded recreational opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers and overnight campers.

The improvements include two primary multiuse trails: Cedar Lake Trail and Woodland Trail.

The Cedar Lake Trail consists largely of newly constructed sections funded through a Recreational Trails Program grant awarded two years ago. The trail follows areas closer to the lake and is marked with blue diamonds.

The Woodland Trail incorporates much of the area’s original trail system and runs primarily through wooded areas with limited access to the water. It is marked with green diamonds.

Some sections of the two trails overlap and are marked with both blue and green diamonds. Connector trails are marked with white diamonds and directional arrows.

The city has also introduced 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. Camping is permitted only in designated areas, with a maximum stay of 14 days.

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

Campers must follow Leave No Trace principles. Permanent structures, attaching nails to trees, disturbing the ground and cutting down trees for firewood are prohibited.

Visitors can find trail routes, campsite locations and additional information on the city’s Cedar Lake map.

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