"I combined the Nature Trail and the Bluff Trail today, both of which were new to me. I rode most of the Nature Trail and all of the Bluff Trail. I took off early because temperatures were suppose to get near 100 (33.7C). Luckily the sky was partially overcast so it stayed cool and provided a fantastic canopy of colorful clouds for my ride.

Most of the trail was flat with only a few hills along the way. My trip was around 20 miles. Much of the ride was through farmland which was very scenic. There were lots of corn and crops due to the plentiful rains we have had so far this spring and summer. I passed a large field of sunflowers that was beautiful to see. I spotted a small Bluebird which you don't see too often in town. Of course there were some train cars, abandoned houses, and a few overgrown sheds as well. I passed some trailers and simple homes that surrounded a lake. I went under a highway I use everyday to travel to work and I was amazed at how much is missed from the Interstate when driving in the car.

The trail eventually connected to Southern Illinois University Campus, which was well manicured. I had to share the path with some joggers, skaters and other cyclist from time to time when I reached that point.

There were a lot of rabbits on this trail. Many of them young. I don't know why they like to sit out on the trail. It's almost like they're playmates are hiding in the brush, daring them to stay in open view until the last moment. Then after proving there bravery, they dart into the high grass. I love rabbits, they are such quiet, peaceful creatures."

"I have done this run several times. Even though this trail is eight miles, it connects to other trails. I park at the western end in Pontoon Beach. Parking is about a mile S. of I-270 on IL 111. Where 111 starts to go up the viaduct crossing the trail and RR, take the side road on the east to park.

The trail is asphalt paved and heads northeast crossing under I-255 and then over I-270. Two miles farther it crosses the access road to SIU-E. It also crosses the Bluff Trail (connects to the Delyte Morris Tr) at this point. At this point the MCT starts to climb out of the Mississippi River floodplain. A few miles farther the trail is closed (10/2002) a short distance past Prairie View Dr. due to IL-157 construction.

To detour, take Prairie View to Esic. Go left on Esic to the stoplight. Cross at the stoplight but do not enter the park. Ride along the outside of the fence a short distance and go down the hill to the MCT connector trail with a crushed limestone surface. (The 2 trails will connect once consturction is complete.) Make a right and head south approx 4 miles to Glen Carbon. It runs directly into the Glen Carbon Heritage Trail which is paved with an oil and fine gravel pavement.

Take this trail east for approximately seven miles until it ends (the railroad bed continues, and this section can be ridden on a mountain bike).

At this point you have gone nearly 20 miles through some very scenic and mostly secluded rail corridor. Turn around and head back. Trail passes next to a Casey's convenience store in Glen Carbon. Once IL-157 construction is complete there will be access to businesses in Edwardsville.

Bicycle Trail maps (IL Region 8) are available at the Cyclery in Edwardsville or from the State of Illinois. The latest edition is very up to date on these trails. For the state map, write to:

Illinois Department of Transportation
2300 S. Dirksen Parkway
Map Sales - Room 121
Springfield, IL 62764

You can also call the Illinois Department of Transportation at 217-782-0834."