Rock Island Trail State Park:
Illinois
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Description:
The 29-mile Rock Island State Trail runs from Alta, in Peoria County, to Toulon, in Stark County, connecting the towns of Alta, Dunlap, Princeville, Wyoming, and Toulon. This trail paints a great picture of Illinois, from its origin near the urban environment of Peoria, through numerous small towns and villages and unlimited expanses of classic Midwest farm and wood land in between. The trail owes its name to the Peoria and Rock Island Railroad Company trains that once ran passengers and freight on this line.
Heading north from the Peoria Heights trailhead in Alta, have your camera ready to capture the views from the first overlook that comes up quickly. The farm- and woodland setting of much of this trail is definitely picture-worthy.
As the Rock Island approaches the town of Dunlap, field to the east and the emerging town to the east, the trail empties out onto 1st Street. This stretch requires some road riding, but traffic is light. Take 1st Street north three blocks, the turn left onto Walnut Street. Turn right onto 2nd Street, following its curve to the west. Just prior to 3rd Street, turn right onto a drive-the pick-up for the trail is visible form the road.
The corridor continues its straight-as-an-arrow path through, farm fields as far as the eye can see. The trees lining the trail offer respite from the sun, and also harbor a wide variety of bird life.
About 6 miles north of the county line trailhead, the fields start giving way to the outskirts of the small town of Wyoming. Upon entering Wyoming proper, look for the trail headquarters on the left. The restored Chicago Burlington & Quincy Depot, a bright, barn-red building, is absolutely beautiful, complete with the restored wooden cantilevers on the roofline. The depot also houses a visitor center and railroad museum.
In Wyoming, you travel on quiet streets; look for the trail's green bike route signs to easily navigates the half mile street back to the trail. The scenery becomes more heavily wooded as you leave Wyoming and enter the Spoon River area.
The Spoon River, at mile 26, is a great spot to stop for a rest and to admire the trestle bridge that spans the creek. The bridge has observation "bump-outs" that offers a convenient rest stop with the wooded creek valley for a backdrop.
After a short mile, you leave the tree cover behind and the scenery switches back to farm fields for the remainder of your journey. The appearance of Route. 17 indicates your imminent arrival at the town of Toulon. The end trailhead is just 3 miles beyond the
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Parking & Trail Access:
To access the trailhead in Alta, take Interstate 74 to Route 6, and then head north for 5.5 miles. Turn onto Route 174, which becomes Alta Lane. The trailhead is on the right in just under a mile.
To reach the midway point trailhead from Interstate 74, take Route 6 north for 2.5 miles to US Highway 150. Turn right at the exit and travel west on 150 for nearly a half mile. Take State Route 91 north through the towns of Dunlap and Princeville, for about 19 miles, and then turn right on County Line Road. The trailhead is on the right in a half mile.
To access the Toulon trailhead from Interstate 74, take State Route 78 (S. Randolph Street) north for 17 miles. Turn right on State Route 17 and follow it through the town of Toulon for just over 4 miles. The trailhead is on the left just south of town.

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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Desolate but still a nice path
By gmeister50 in August, 2010
This path is very well maintained and nice to ride. Unfortunately I went shortly after a good rain and the path was very soft and difficult to ride. After 14 miles I had to turn around and go back.
What I found strange was after riding 28 miles I saw very few other riders, and I rode on a nice warm Saturday afternoon.
One nice perk was when I stopped at the train depot in Wyoming to rest on the way back. A lady came out of the depot and asked if I was OK and if I wanted to come inside to cool off. The hospitality of the locals is very nice.
great trail
By sunlover in January, 2010
My friends, family and I often ride the Rock Island Trail. Great trail; beautiful and well kept. Just watch out for a few ground squirrel holes along the way. Good trail for those who want a long trip as well as those who prefer shorter trips. Many good locations to park and ride/walk for shorter trips. Enjoy the wildlife and woodsy landscape as well as open fields. Travel through a few nice little towns along the way. I have personally ridden the entire trail round trip one time and enjoyed the entire day....Looking forward to seeing a new trail open soon along the rail from Bartonville to Fairview Illinois. I hope they get it done before I have to ride it on a scooter :)
Please, use these trails and let everyone know how much you enjoy having them near your home.
Great Trail for the New Biker
By joegiantbike in July, 2009
My wife and I enjoy the trail...not too hilly...and the best part is plenty of scenery, berries and wildlife. We have just started trail biking and have done 10 - 8 mile stretches of this trail so far...it is definitely worth the effort and time to experience this wonderful trail...it is right up there with some of the best Illinois has to offer for the serious to novice bike enthusiast.
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Peoria (Pioneer Parkway) to Toulon
Counties: Peoria, Stark
Trail Length: 31.6 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Trail Activities: Bike, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6015795

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