~~CONSTITUTION TRAIL~~

The Constitution Trail is perhaps the most well-know and used trail in the Bloomington-Normal area. It is a multipurpose trail perfect for runner, bikers, hikers, roller bladers and dog walkers alike. The main "T" shaped section of this trail is my personal favorite stretch because I can cruise for a nice 22-mile round trip ride or I can chose to do just a quick 6-miler on leg of the trail. The "T" section I am referring to is depicted in orange in the map below:

If you begin at the apex of the "T" you can chose to bike north on the approximately 4-mile long (8 miles round trip) section that parallels Linden Street, ducks under the I-55 North ramp and eventually spits you out by a farm on Kerrick Road. Or, you can chose to bike the 2-mile long (4 miles round trip) southern section of the "T" that will take you out towards East Empire Street. This part of the trail ends just south of Washington Street and bypasses the historic Davis-Jefferson mansion and neighborhood. Finally the "stem" of the T-shaped trail that heads east is approximately 5 miles long (10 round trip) and parallels GE Road, passes by Tipton Park and eventually ends at S. Towanda Barnes Road. 

Constitution Trail in the fall

Pros and Cons of the Constitution Trail: 

Pros: 

- Perfect for a quick post-dinner or early morning ride

- Once you ride it enough, it is easy to estimate how far you've biked in a certain amount of time

- Lots of water fountains and porto-potties located along the whole trail

- TONS to look at... the trail passes by farms, back yards, parks, college campuses, UpTown Normal and much, much more

- It's very easy to get to different parts of town via the trail (I often bike to Meijer by taking a little side trail by the Chateau conference center)

- People on the trail are normally very friendly and will flash a smile or a wave as you pass them by

Cons: 

- The trail can get fairly congested in the evening; especially after 5pm

- Some parts of the trail can get a little rough with roots sticking through the pavement or potholes that seem to come out of nowhere 

- The main "T" section of the trail is only 22 miles round trip if you do each section out and back- so if you're looking for a longer ride, I would suggest hitting the country roads

- There are a lot of intersections as well as bridges that can be a little pesky 

For more information about the Constitution Trail, check out this website: http://www.constitutiontrail.org/

Constitution Trail in the Spring