Find the top rated running trails in Clinton, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Rode this trail on 9/29/2026. It exceeded my expectations at almost every turn. Awesome views of the mighty Mississippi, plenty of parking at multiple trailheads, bathroom facilities were abundant. Very awesome ride with tons of things to see. One thing to note: the loop around Credit Island is on the road, but it is a park road, so very safe and very easy. I highly recommend this trail. Ride on, Everyone.
I rode the Mississippi River Trail yesterday, 9/26/2026. While in Riverdale, I wanted to find the connection to the Duck Creek Trail for future reference. I found it but then tried to follow this advice in the description of this trail: At the trail’s eastern end in the small manufacturing city of Riverdale, a massive aluminum plant looms ahead. Here a small trailhead welcomes trail users, although directional signage to a key connection is lacking; a short jaunt south on low-stress South Kensington Street leads to the Mississippi River Trail which provides easy access to the Mississippi River and downtown Davenport.
The short jaunt south on South Kensington does lead to the Mississippi River Trail, but it is fenced off and you are unable to get access. There are two signs that state "No Trail Access" as you approach. To get to the Mississippi River Trail, you need to head 2-3 blocks East from Kensington on State Street, to the point where the Mississippi River Trail crosses State Street. Hopefully this helps future riders.
We rode the GAP from Cedar Creek Park to the Boston trailhead at the base of the Historic Boston Bridge and back. About 36 miles round trip. What a great ride. Smooth trail with lots of benches and several picnic areas and toilet facilities. Well maintained. Passed through several little communities along the trail. No major highways and very few little roads to cross making it very safe. Got a delicious huge “medium” size ice cream cone at the “Big Twist” in Blythedale, right off the trail. Highly recommend this ride!
(08/19/26) - Another beautiful day and a beautiful trail. Rode from Tutty's Crossing (Freeport) to state line (WI). Trail in great shape with no major defects to get in your way for a relaxing ride. The small town and countryside/farmland vibe is just outstanding. Especially if you're a small town kid like me. It's a true getaway from life kind of ride for a couple hours. Very little trail traffic and the scenery is gorgeous. As always, don't forget to treat yourself at Union Dairy after the 34 mile round trip. A great reward for a long ride.
Great trail, but rode it today and there is construction that is not passable at about 7 miles from Galena.
Hennepin segment in this review: Sterling to Tampico
Bike: Specialized Sirus hybrid
Type of biker: casual, but I bike daily and can handle 25-35 mile rides
Weather: sunny, warm, upper 70's and dry.
Trail conditions: dry
Bike recommendation: no street bikes. Perfect for hybrid and mountain.
Other recommendations: sun protection, excess water, small protein bar or similar, phone, sunglasses, small towelette for sweat.
I started this trail at its entrance on the Sterling side of the Rock River.
Crossing the Rock was a nice starter. On the western dam side, a group of pelicans and their babies swam in the water. Can't say I've ever seen pelicans in Illinois before.
Once you reach the Rock Falls side the trail adjoins the Hennepin canal for the rest of the ride. In warm weather you're likely to see a lot of people fishing all the way down to the I88 underpass.
Heading south of I88 you aren't likely to see anyone. The trail is in decent shape being earthen based and I didn't see much more than small twigs on my ride south. There's easily a good 7-8 miles where you don't see much of anything manmade with the exception of crossing a road.
If you're a bird lover, this area will highly appeal. During my 25-mile journey I must have seen at least 50-75 orioles, a variety of blue colored birds, cardinals, several colors of finch, and a bird that has white tipped feathers that I've never seen before. I'm not a birder but they are beautiful to watch. The canal itself is clean with occasional turtles perched on logs.
There was only one spot on my segment with bathrooms, and that was closer to Tampico. The rest of the trail is devoid of bathrooms, benches and other amenities.
Some additional observations regarding this part of the trail:
Google maps indicate that a sunflower field is near the intersection of the trail and Star Road. There isn't. The area is entirely corn fields.
For rides longer than 5-10 miles, make sure to bring your own hydration and food. I bike daily and can handle long rides. But back here it gets rather warm. Water consumption for me was a little bit greater, and I even found a need to eat a protein bar to steady my energy level.
Importantly; a 25-mile ride back here will feel like well over 35. While the trail is in good shape, you do make a lot of dodges to avoid branches, twigs, holes, hanging bushes and other deterrents. The earthen path also slows your speed.
I didn't quite make it to downtown Tampico as I had original set out to do. My halfway point became Fargo Rd, at which point, I could see the little city of Tampico from a distance.
This leg of the trail completed my third on the Hennepin Canal Trail. It's a very peaceful trail with a lot of upside.
Cheers.
Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.
Rode 12 miles out and back on this trail. Parked at Credit Island Park - lots of spaces for parking - and rode north. There are active and busy train tracks next to the trail and then on the other side is the Mississippi River. The route is industrial vibe scenic on the section I rode. I really enjoyed the trains. There is a section of the trail that is a detour onto the sidewalk for about 3 blocks around Quinlan Park (hope I remembered that name right). The blacktop/concrete trail surface is typical for this kind of ride next to industry. Some roots heaving up here and there but nothing too crazy. I’d recommend the ride because how Often do you get a chance to ride with trains, barges, and the mighty Mississippi River?!
I haven’t done the complete trail, only the part in the park near the rec-center. The portion in the park is paved, asphalt, and is mostly wooded. Plenty of turns and short climbs/decent. Visibility isn’t great due to trees and turns so not a top speed location. I did 2 laps in the park with my special needs son using his adaptive bike. Several other trail users were walking. There is a portion of this trail that runs along Lynne Blvd. That part is essentially a sidewalk or off-street path. We did not go on that portion.
Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.
Have not walked but biked and very fun also little off road side trails very fun
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