CJ Applegate remembers when he biked the 12.6-mile Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail.

Applegate, athletic supervisor for the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department, said he remembers seeing wildlife and the intensity of the trail, which runs from Charleston to Mattoon.

Charleston and Mattoon both own the trail that was named after President Abraham Lincoln.

“It would be an easy way to get to Mattoon. Save fuel and get exercise,” said Curt Devore, superintendent of the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department.

Before it was a trail for biking, it was an old rail line. The trail is recognized by the Rails to Trails Conservancy organization, which helps turn railroad tracks into trails by promoting policy at the national and state level.

The train track has been around for a while and goes in and out of wooded areas, Applegate said.

Although it has been some time since Applegate last biked the trail, he recalls the wildlife he saw.

Applegate said it is common to see animals that include deer, rabbits, peasants and other birds.

“Early morning or dusk, you’ll hear deer, squirrels or any other varmint,” he said. “I have spooked deer before on it (the trail) just before nightfall.”

While riding along the trail, Applegate also saw the presence of other animals, like horses.

“I don’t see many, but I’ve seen hoof prints,” he said.

Hoof prints can be common because although the trail is used for biking, it can also be used for horseback riding.

The presence of wildlife is typical because once the trail heads out of town, it is surrounded by grown-up prairie, Applegate said.

Because it is throughout the prairie, the trail is not difficult when bike riding.

“We’re in the middle of the prairie – it’s as flat as you get,” Applegate said.

He continued to say that it is a moderate trail and that there is only a gradual incline when heading towards Mattoon.

Devore also does not think it is difficult.

“It’s pretty much a straight shot, not many curves,” he said.

The trail also can be used for walking and not just biking and horseback riding. To keep track of the distance people have walked or biked, mile markers are placed along the trail.

It is a long way to walk, but it is not too bad to ride, Applegate said.

Applegate said a lot of people use the trail, whether they walk or bike.

Devore also sees people using the trail.

“I think it’s used quite a bit,” he said.

Devore helps maintain the trail and when he is working on it, he said he sees about one or two people every time.

When maintaining the trail, Devore and others control the weeds, mow and even out the gravel paths with a tractor implement.

“It is kept up,” Applegate said.

Charleston maintains the trail up until Loxa, which is near Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, and then Mattoon takes over.

Applegate said someone mows around the trail every week.

The trail was sealed this year as well, to keep up with its maintenance. Most of the trail is paved asphalt, especially in town of Charleston and Mattoon, but in the country, there are areas of gravel.

An electrical company also does its part in maintaining the trail. Devore said the company comes out to remove trees that reach or could reach the electrical lines.