Are you wanting to begin a walking routine, but don’t know where to start? Walking is an easy, inexpensive way to help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, reduce the effects of stress, and lose weight. For every hour you walk you gain two hours of life expectancy.
Southern Illinois Healthcare and the American Heart Association together with the Jackson County Healthy Communities Coalition and the Franklin-Williamson Healthy Communities Coalition are bringing the American Heart Association’s Start! Walking program to local paths and parks. If you’re waiting to find a nice place to walk in your area, here you go! Just look for the signs with the green Start! logo.
Jackson County
Outdoor Paths:
Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, 405 W Jackson St, Carbondale: The path begins at the Cancer Care Center sign as you come in the entrance off Jackson Street. This flat, paved path is 0.7 miles.
Attucks Park, 400-800 N. Wall St, Carbondale: Attucks Park offers three easy trail lengths. Trail 1 is 0.6 miles, Trail 2 is 0.35 miles, and Trail 3 is 0.4 miles. The trail is paved with exercise stations along the path.
Marberry Arboretum, S. Wall St and Pleasant Hill Rd, Carbondale: Marberry Arboretum is an unpaved, 2/3 mile trail of moderate difficulty. The trail goes up and downhill and winds past a pond and a bamboo forest.
Evergreen Park, 1205 W. Pleasant Hill Rd, Carbondale: This is an easy, paved, 1/3 mile trail which begins and ends at Jaycee Field.
SIU Campus Lake, south side of SIUC campus, Carbondale: An accessible, 2-mile paved path along the scenic shores of the Campus Lake is one of the designated Start! walking paths at SIUC. The path is perfect for walking or running, even with companions (e.g., babies in strollers, leashed pets). Numerous exercise challenges, including a rope and a wall climb, are strategically located off the path for added opportunities.
St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, 2 South Hospital Dr, Murphysboro: This ¼ mile path with slight inclines starts at the Cardiac Rehab and Senior Renewal entrance.
Riverside Park, 2610 W Riverside Park Rd, Murphysboro: Riverside Park offers a 1 mile paved Start! walking path that takes you around the entire park. You start and finish at the Recreation Center where it is easy to park your car. There are restrooms and benches at various places in the park. Come and join the many people who have already discovered this walking path and enjoy the outdoors, and don't forget to bring your pets (on a leash).
University of Illinois Extension, 402 Ava Rd, Murphysboro: On the grounds of the U of I Extension office is a ¼ mile all-weather walking path. Begin at the driveway entry, go around behind the show building, and out to the highway on the west, then across the yard to the front entrance. From spring until fall, you can watch the ornamental/perennial garden blossom and thrive.
Bike Way, Across from the Eastgate Shopping Center, Carbondale: A large wood park sign marks the Bike Way pathway across the street from Gold’s Gym in the Eastgate Shopping Center. The Greenway/Bikeway follows Pyles Ford Creek from the north side of East Grand to the south side of East Walnut. The path is paved and has several tables and benches. This natural area is a beautiful spot to walk or ride.
Indoor Tracks:
Boys and Girls Club of Carbondale, 250 N Springer, Carbondale: This is a short, easy indoor track in the gymnasium. One lap is 260 feet, and one mile is approximately 20 laps. The track is available during the summer Monday-Friday 8:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M. and during the fall Monday-Friday 9 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
SIU Student Center, 1255 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale: There are two walking paths within the Student Center. On the second floor, walking the edges of the International Lounge, through Art Alley and down through the River Room hallway 3 1/2 times creates a one mile path. If you need a change of pace, try the third floor by starting at the escalators and walking the halls. Twelve laps is a mile.
Franklin-Williamson Counties
Outdoor Paths:
Herrin Hospital, 201 S 14th St, Herrin: The 0.4 mile walking path at Herrin Hospital begins at the main entrance and continues on sidewalks and pavement throughout the hospital campus.
Herrin City Park, 1010 North 5th St, Herrin: Herrin City Park located just off of Herrin Road welcomes you to get fit on their asphalt paved, well lighted, Start! Walking Path. Walkers & runners can begin their journey at the park or the Herrin Bruce Sports Complex. There are benches for resting along the way and restrooms at the beginning of the path in the park. Leashed pets are welcome.
Energy ‘Bruce’ Park, located just one block east of Rt. 148 (behind city hall), Energy: The park, boasting covered pavilions, basketball courts, softball fields and plenty of children's playground equipment, is ringed by a paved and lighted 1/2 mile walking track. The track encircles the entire park and has a gentle slope on the northern end. Park hours are from sun-up to sun-down.
Cambria Park, Maple St, Cambria: This is an asphalted, ½ mile, well-lit path in the center of town. The path is very child friendly and surrounds a playground. Bathroom facilities are available. Parking lot accessible. No pets please.
West Frankfort Aquatic Center/Community Park, 1100 E Cleveland St, West Frankfort: This path starts in the community park at the intersection of Lincoln and Cleveland. The 1 ½ mile, paved path winds past a butterfly garden and duck ponds, then loops around the Aquatic Center. Parking and restrooms are available. Pets on a leash please.
Super Kohl Park, located on the west side of Rt. #149 South and Maple St., Zeigler: The park offers a 1/5 mile shaded, unpaved path. There is a picnic area, a play area, and restroom facilities available. Park hours are from sunrise to sunset.
Slim Lane, located on Hendricks Street, across from the Casey’s General Store located on Rt. 148 and Linden Street (old Rt. 149), Zeigler: This unpaved, ¼ mile track is perfect for walking or running. Benches are located along the path. Parking and restroom facilities are available.
Arrowhead Lake Nature Trail, 1600 Peterson, Johnston City: The 2 1/8 mile nature trail with numerous slopes winds around the peaceful Arrowhead Lake adjacent to the Arrowhead Lake Campground. The trail is rocked with benches along the route for resting. Walkers and bikers are welcome as well as pets on a leash. Water fountains (for humans and pets) available during summer season, restrooms available year round. Parking, playground and picnic area is adjacent to nature trail. Nature trail hours from sunrise to sunset.