The Madison Count Transit (MCT) Nickel Plate Trail runs for 21.6 miles between Main Street in Alhambra and Old Edwardsville Road at State Route 162 in Pontoon Beach. The trail follows a greenway corridor through Glen Carbon and Edwardsville, passing by some light industrial areas before entering farmland and wooded areas on its way to Alhambra. Along the way you'll encounter parks, a golf course and small lakes and retaining ponds. You'll also find access to parks, neighborhoods and historic districts in Edwardsville and Glen Carbon.
The MCT Nickel Plate Trail intersects other MCT trails, including the
MCT Nature Trail and the
MCT Goshen Trail in south Edwardsville (around SR 159/Plum St.) and the
Glen Carbon Heritage Bike Trail (MCT Heritage Trail) in Glen Carbon near the ball field at Main Street at the southern end of town. The Nickel Plate Trail also intersects the MCT Nature Trail again at the Nickel Plate's southern terminus at Old Edwardsville Road.
Parking is available in Edwardsville at Longfellow Road and Illinois Highway 159 (adjacent to the Lewis & Clark Community College N.O Nelson campus); at Longfellow Road and Nelson Avenue; and in Glen Carbon at Main Street behind the baseball field.
Great Run!!!! Trail condition was outstand. Ran past a clean-up crew about halfway into my run. Trail very well maintained. Thanks