By Bill Blackmon in July, 2011
Between family reunions this July (2011), my wife and I took two of our grandkids to Amarillo, TX to visit Palo Duro Canyon and see the "Texas" show. While there I checked online and found the Rock Island Rail Trail. On July 7th, the two grandkids and I loaded the bikes to give the trail at try. The trail is 4 miles long and runs through older residential and commercial areas. The concrete path is wide and smooth with well kept grass and trees on both sides as well as picnic tables and shade arbors along the way. Noticed a couple of hamburger spots but it was mid-morning and we did not stop and check them out. The trail appears well used as a good deal of foot traffic was present with some other bike traffic. Along the west end of the trail is the arbor section with labeled trees planted on both sides of the trail.
The trail was fun to ride and we all had a great time. I had the chance to teach the grandkids about traffic and road crossings as there are several controlled street crossings and a couple of uncontrolled crossings.
I would ride this trail again, although it is not a trail that I would drive to Amarillo to ride as it is short and I am not a fan of street crossings, but when in the area, I will always have my bike and take a ride. The grandkids loved it and the 4 miles was just about the right distance for them. I give the trail a good rating because it is well kept and very pleasent to ride. Good parking at both ends and easy to find. So if in Amirillo, hit the pavement, relax, enjoy the scenry, and the friendly people of Amirillo.
Bill Blackmon