Explore the best rated trails in Sparta, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Meramec Greenway Trail and Centennial Greenway . With more than 36 trails covering 298 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Sorry for the cobbled review below. My screen froze up. This is a really nice trail and it is well-maintained. There’s lots of shade and it goes through a nice area. I definitely recommend this trail.
The trail is pretty nice once you get closer to Edwardsville. It actually has the least amount of nature of the trails, but it works. It goes through some industrial areas and there’s not a whole lot of scenery until you start getting close to Edwardsville. The pavement is in good shape mostly it’s not an A trail but it’s a B for sure. Not much shade in most parts. The trail that connects to all the other trails so you don’t have to do out and back. You can jump on and hit the nickel trail loop. It is really nice.
Five star trails. Beautiful scenery and nice wide trails.
The bridge over IL 111 is nearly done and it is looking awesome. This will take out a dangerous road crossing and let us fly down the trail.
I rode this last year in September, from the old Chain of Rocks Bridge to just south of the Gateway Arch. It was a very good ride. Certainly not a traditional rail trail, but an interesting ride through parkland. industrial development, and great river views. There were a few places where the correct direction was a little unclear, but nothing serious. A very pleasant experience and I hope to do it again.
This trail is nice but the section from the “The Orchards” to Eckards is very open and loud next to Green Mount Road. The parking at the beginning section in The Orchards golf course is a good hike prior to starting on the path with no sidewalks or designated crosswalks. And the street is hilly with turns and drivers mostly can’t see you crossing or walking on the side of the street. Also crossing where the path ends puts you in someone’s back yard , walking around the pool & tennis courts. Parking at the at one of the other options would be much safer especially with kids.
First trail for a family with 2 large e-bikes with small children. We just tried it at 1m from the top near Crestwood/kirkwood. Parking is clean and nice. A bathroom with compose toilet is different but interesting change. A couple of stops for cars. The splits (2 metal bars) that I guess help slow people feel a little tight for comfort but you get use to it. Just ride slow. 5min in and you get to a restaurant. It was closed when we tried but hoping to give it a shot. Oh less than 2min and 2 street crossings is a small park for kids. So more plus. Will update when we do the entire thing.
This trail is the best maintained, marked and clean trails I have ever ridden. The trail surface is paved and in better condition than most of the areas highways! The prettiest portion is from the memorial hospital station to the Highway 161 station. Rode from Scott AFB to hwy 161 and back. Ride it soon! Get out there!
Nice paved bike path very woodsy and several bridges and several secondary roads. We were surprised to see the police patrolling the path but very reassuring.
Just be aware that the portion of the trail at Jefferson Barracks is only a mile long. It is beautiful and well taken care of though, and there are other suitable trails in the park.
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