River Bend Forest Preserve - Mahomet, Illinois

Shane A.

Really nice place to fish, boat ramp and dock, very large floating fishing platform & trails.

Tamra P.

Went to the preserve to walk our daughter's big dog. The trail was very well kept and we all enjoyed a nice stroll in a beautiful environment. There are several trails at Riverbend we've enjoyed. There is also a very nice dock and gazebo out on the lake. Great place to hang out and just enjoy the peace and quiet of the area.

R. U. L. 2.

This forest preserve was previously part of a mining/excavating operation. The recovered pits were improved and converted into clear water lakes. Those lakes are used by the local fishing and kayaking communities. It has a boat ramp and a large pier (named: ‘Possibility Pier’) designed to provide numerous fishing spots with an emphasis on accessibility for the disabled. The preserve also has a considerable amount of vegetation, both trees and brush, but (for my personal taste) could be improved by removing a lot of the underbrush and leaving the trees. It just seems unattractive and overgrown in its current state.

Amy L.

I volunteered for a muscle survey with the upper Sangamon river Conservancy. Multiple muscles mean a healthy river have not been there for hiking or fun, but looks like it would be a great place to go.

CD1

Beautiful forest preserve for fishing, kayaking, running, and short hiking. Although small on paved and dirt roads for bikers, bike riders often park here and leave the parking lot for country rides outside the preserve, such as due west across a picturesque Sangamon River bridge. Within the park, there are only a few miles of grass or crushed rock trails, and going to the end of these trails or off the trails will immediately place you on private property with "No Trespassing" signs, hunting tree stands, the River Bend subdivision in Mahomet, the excavation company, or a couple other private dwellings. It's difficult to see what is private and not private on the Google map, but you will be able to tell in person since it's blatantly marked. When one looks at the Google map, essentially everything seen as an obvious trail is accessible, and almost all of what is off the trails is private. I run with my GPS watch here often, and if a person was to walk every trail in the entire property, even the ones leading to dead ends, it's about 4.5 miles if you include the main road from Mid-American Road to the parking lot/fishing area.

There are non-flushable toilets (men's and women's) by the parking area and boat docks. I do not see any spigots for potable water so bring your own drinking water. There is easy access to launching ramp for canoes and kayaks, and boats are allowed with electric motors, but gasolines engines are prohibited. The lake water is clear and refreshing and deep, but swimming is not allowed.

This is a great place to take a family for a picnic, and there is a large covered pavilion area by the main parking lot that has about ten picnic tables beneath the roof. Perhaps it can be reserved, but I have never seen anyone using it reserved, just casually to eat lunch and the like.

As this is a Champaign County Forest Preserve, all dogs MUST be leashed at all times. Most dog owners are respectful and lawful and leash their pets, but some dog owners disregard this rule despite the signage and fines thus giving a bad name to responsible pet owners. This area is not "wild" and has families with children, bikers, runners, and wildlife that can be harmed by or harm your loose dog. Leash them up always.

A place that is enjoyed greatly by those that know of its hidden charms, River Bend FP is worth your drive. It's a small gem.

Tam P.

Pretty, quiet place to visit. Lovely place to spend on a Summers day. Lots of trail routes to walk/run on too!

Md M. A.

A wonderful place. Really enjoyed it very much. Nice walking trails. A great opportunity for cycling on the road. Worth exploring it.

Bryan T.

What an awesome park! Very well maintained! Great lake for kayaking! Lot's of fish jumping! Ample parking. Very nice pavilions to use. Separate hiking trails.