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5 out of 5 Rider Rating 5
3 Reviews

The Murphysboro to Anna to Carbondale Loop

Motorcycle Route Author

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By hondo lady 69 (12 McR Points) on Dec 16, 2012

Rider Reviews

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Doc. Hays
18 McR Points
September 14, 2018
This is a beautiful scenic ride…
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wally
June 15, 2016
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Written Directions

You start this trip at Murphysboro on Il 127 which heads south out of town off Il 13. This road will come out at Il 146 make a left turn onto 146 towards Anna. Follow 146 into Anna and after crossing RR tracks you come to a stop sign where 146 turns right, you turn left on to old US 51. Follow this road thru Cobden and it will come out to new 51 which is four lane where you turn left and follow it up to Carbondale.

Scenery

Out of Murphysboro you pass through the Shawnee National Forest. Tree lined, rolling hills down 127 to 146 leads to Anna and up old 51 opens up to nice panoramic views across the countryside.

Drive Enjoyment

127 looks to have been resurfaced recently and it is all good up and down to 146. 127 is very hilly with slight curves. 146 curves around a bit to Anna. Old 51 is the star portion to me, it starts out next to the tracks and veers off by Cobden, with its rolling terrain, sweeping curves some very sharp it gives the feel of how the old roads went with what was there instead of blasting through it.

Tourism Opportunities

After leaving Murphysboro you can look for Pomona rd, turn right til stop sign turn right and road "y" veer right onto natural bridge follow to end. Stretch your legs on trail back the bridge. Anna offers several restuarants and I recommend the Farm Fresh store which offers cream horns from Herrin which are exclusively sold there. Apple orchards line a section of old 51 and are open in the fall.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

Rode this sept 2012. If you would like to travel a little faster watch for blind drives. Old 51 is quite curvy for more experienced riders should have little problems. Glad to share this, so please Enjoy!
 

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Doc. Hays
September 14, 2018
18 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This is a beautiful scenic ride,
stop and stretch your legs at the Bald Knob cross
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wally
June 15, 2016
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
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wally
June 15, 2016
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
These are some of Illinois' most beautiful roads. This route takes you straight in the wine trail country. Beautiful rolling hills, scenic overlooks and lots of great places to stop. Be sure to go to Fuzzy's in Cobden. Great biker friendly bar.
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