River Trail of Illinois (Carl "Bud" Schmitt Trail):
Illinois
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Description:
Running from East Peoria to Morton, The River Trail of Illinois was resurfaced in summer 2011. From East Peoria, the hiking and biking trail travels southeast along the old Illinois Terminal Railway line. Trail users can experience a bit of tall-grass prairie, bluff and forest habitats that comprise the Illinois River valley. This portion of the trail was recently named for Carl "Bud" Schmitt, a long-time advocate for East Peoria's parks and trails.

Begin across the road from the Fondulac Park District headquarters on Veterans Drive in East Peoria. Picnic tables are situated along the trail in East Peoria's 4.8-mile jurisdiction, between Veterans Drive and Hawthorn Avenue.

The Morton portion of the trail is 2 miles long and begins near the intersection of W. Jackson Street and Detroit Avenue. A 0.5-mile extension spur leads to Westwood Park.

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Parking & Trail Access:
In Peoria, you can access the River Trail of Illinois from the Fondulac Park District headquarters at 201 Veterans Drive. In Morton, you can access the trail from Westwood Park (VFW Road north of Jackson Street/US 150) or from West Jefferson Street southeast of its intersection with Detroit Avenue.

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Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
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*****
By ukaly in July, 2011
I live close to this trail and walk/bike on it often. It was completely resurfaced this summer and is better than when it was new. New benches to rest on, new garbage bins on poles and new signs. Part of this trail goes through a very shaded, wooded area - nice on hot summer days! This trail currently runs from the west edge of Morton to downtown East Peoria and will soon have the western edge finished to link up across the river with Peoria.
Trail connection
By Kelton95 in October, 2010
Bridge is now complete over farm creek and is now paved to the foot of the bob micheal bridge. Kellar Branch trail work going on also. The rails and ties have been pulled up
Great trail
By kelton95 in January, 2010
Soon will connect with the Bob Micheal bridge to connect to the Pimiteoui Trail along the Peoria riverfront. There is also a long going dispute over the Kellar Branch Trail which will connect the Pimiteoui Trail to the Pioneer Parkway extension. hopefully popping up here soon. But other wise a great trail. most of it is paved but after you go through the tunnel its gravel. you have to get of the trail and on to the road because the bridge is out but will soon be in service. The trail pops up again near Arbys. That will take you to the East Peoria riverfront park. Phase II of the trail is down the road a bit but is only 1.8 miles and features a 1200 fot boardwalk keep riding:)