Find the top rated walking trails in Pittsfield, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I rode this trail from Elsah to Pere Marquette. Several reviews say the paving is in bad shape. There are a few bumps that you would want to lift up off the seat, but they are not that bad. Going on and off some of the bridges are also a little rough. The scenery is great. Watch out for walnuts on the trail in the fall.
8/29/22 "Paved" trail from Alton to Pere Marquette was awful. Unmaintained, roots pushing up asphalt in many spots, weeds making trail narrow, no bathrooms for 20+ miles. Grade D-. If you're planning to ride this trail be sure to use a mountain bike. Was probably great when new or last maintained.
We began at the Alton side. First 4 miles are pretty rough asphalt. Gets better. A portion is on the highway, but road is smooth. We stopped in Grafton and dropped off some of our gear in our overnight cottage. Finished the last 7 miles to Pere Marquette. Beautiful scenery, be careful entering some of the bridges- big gaps/dips. Hilly and curvy. Park is gorgeous. Rode back to Grafton and ate at the Oyster Bar on the river. A lot of locals. Rode back next morning.
We stated in Alton to Marquette and spent the night in Grafton. The trail takes you along the river but not very well maintained , especially between Grafton and Marquette. A lot of big bumps and lose planks over bridges but this was the most scenic part of the trail for me. You are in the trees, making it much cooler on a 103 degree day. The rout back to Alton takes you on the freeway for the first quarter of the ride. P.s we had breakfast in Godfrey at the Clifton Country inn and Bake Shop, yum!
I’ve read some of the bad reviews but I feel this route about more than the issues with the pavement. If you ride this on Sunday morning in the fall at seven in the morning there is very little traffic, a lot of wildlife (mainly birds) and the view of the river is amazing too. Also if you want a beverage or food bring a lock and go to one of the many bars or restaurants.
Rough, unmaintained surface. Cracks with weeds growing. Flood debris, sticks. Close to highway. Beautiful scenery, but has been abandoned by states/counties. Go to Edwardsville for nice maintained trails.
My friend and I rode this trail on September 17, 2016 from the Pisiah Bird north to the Pere Marquette park and back. It was a great day, a BEAUTIFUL ride and the perfect amount of excercise. One thing we would for SURE do differently is to park north of the Pisiah bird lot.... I think there is access in Godfrey? The trail should really be closed for those 1st couple of miles north of Pisiah! I also am not sure that I would have the nerve to ride the section that is ON the highway again. We did not realize it would be like that. While the road is super smooth and the path quite wide, I have seen too many cars veer off the shoulder in these days of distracted driving and was very thankful to exit the road alive. I would definitely not take my children on that stretch. Between Grafton and the State Park is very family friendly!
When I read the 2013 review that complained of a rough trail surface, I thought surely in the 3 years since it's been fixed.
Nope. What I expected to be a scenic ride was instead one spent watching the trail for hazards.
Going north from Alton you have to ride on the shoulder of a busy 4 lane highway to get from the end of the Confluence Trail to the beginning of this one.
It could be a great trail but it needs a lot of work.
We traveled and spent a whole month in Madison County, riding all the TrailLink bike trails there. We know the Pierre Marquette-to-Alton area well from previous car trips, but this was our first time to go on a bike. We thought this might be our favorite trail of the entire trip, so we planned to do it last. It did not disappoint. We HAD to make our usual stop for lunch at the Fin Inn in Grafton. And we found the Grafton Visitor Center east of town was a friendly and helpful place. As was the trail-friendly service station on down at Lockhaven Road. The trail is never boring. There is so much to see and imagine the whole way. The park and lodge, the ferries, the bluffs, the rivers, Marquette and Joliet, Grafton, Chautauqua, Elsah, the Piasa. A rich and full biking experience. Go and enjoy.
Once again I traveled to this scenic route and was amazed they still haven't fixed the beginning of the trail! The first 6 miles are laced with buckled pavement, pot holes, gravel etc. Since I'm an experienced cyclist I have no problem navigating but my road bike takes a beating! I guess I'll have to use the road shoulder next time. I always forget. The scenery as usual was awesome and the workout was great. It's a deceptively easy out and back ride of about 42 miles but that return ride is challenging when you have to battle the winds coming off the river. Since the road is winding as is follows the bluffs you get a break from time to time. All in all it's always a joy to spend a few hours on the trail to take in the sights and enjoy the work out.
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