Find the top rated inline skating trails in Rockford, whether you're looking for an easy short inline skating trail or a long inline skating trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a inline skating trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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The trail is almost entirely crushed stone, except for the 1/2 mile of asphalt in New Glarus and the 1 mile of road in Brodhead. In fact, the term "crushed stone" is quite generous, since the trail is mostly two tire tracks with a grass median. Bottom line, the trail surface was solid even after a light rainfall and the grass on both sides of the trail as well as the median were neatly mowed. There was a nice mix of marsh, forest and open prairie. There was a mile marker on the west or south side of the trail every mile. The ride was very peaceful and quiet, except for an auction I heard while taking a break at the Albany trailhead. It was a nice change of pace to the ambient serenity. There were a few road crossings, but the country roads were rarely traveled. Both Broadhead and New Glarus were excellent anchors for this trail. There was lots to explore in both cities!
(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.
I had high hopes for this trail. I biked from Janesville to the end of the trail in the town of Beloit. The trail has great potential, but the trail maintenance for the first 4 miles out of Janesville has been severely neglected. The ride was unacceptably bumpy due to the several and continuous cracks in the asphalt. The trail south of the water treatment plant had been resurfaced and is in very good condition. The trail leaves the serenity of the shaded canopy of trees to the road in a couple locations. I don't mind the adventure, but one of the roads was busy and at high speeds. The signage could also have been better. The end of the trail in the town of Beloit offers a good cardio workout going up a steep grade. Your efforts are rewarded with modern restrooms and drinking water at the Welty Environmental Center.
Except for a section by one of the drainage tunnels where the asphalt is severely damaged, the trail surface is in good condition. I started my ride in Veterans Park and biked through a canopy of trees overlooking the scenic Rock River. The trail ends in the very cute Janesville Town Square. Although relatively short, this was my favorite trail in and around the city of Janesville.
i’ve done this trail but it’s probably been 1214 years ago. Decided to take my E mountain bike and I’m sure glad I did some of. It’s pretty rough with rocks but overall it was fun. Nice long ride.
I rode the trail from Rosewood to Elkhorn. Most of the trail was flat and peaceful. Some of the crushed stone was washed away between Lyons and Burlington. Most of the trail surface was solid, but there were a few soft pockets where the stone accumulated from the wash out. Getting from the east section to the west section was tricky with no signage, but I was able to navigate the route using my i-phone GPS. If you like a flat, peaceful ride, then this is the trail for you.
All grass. Best for walkers not bikes.
We rode the trail northbound from Palmer Park. One caution I'd offer is it can be confusing because the signage reflects the Ice Age Trail more than the Spring Brook Trail. Possibly because this area seems to be convergent with several trails, including the Peace trail heading south (another very nice ride). Back to the northbound ride; once you go under highway 14, you'll find the trail splits, showing the Ice Age Trail turning left/westbound, and another trail (unmarked) heading due north. We decided to investigate the unmarked trail and found it very pleasant. The trail ended at East Rotamer Road, a short distance east of the left trailhead had we taken the other option by highway 14. We decided to ride E. Rotamer Rd. Westbound a short distance to the other trailhead and take it back to Palmer Park. Travel on Rotamer road was very easy. Designated bike lanes and light traffic helped considerably. In the end, the loop was a wonderful, enjoyable ride. As an aside, taking the trail south from Palmer Park, in the area of the Rotary Botanical Garden, you'll find the Peace Trail. One final note: there are several trail options in area; you might consider keeping your trail app active. My wife and I will definitely be returning.
8/2/26 drove over an hour to experience, well lets say "much ado about very little" While from the trail preview it appeared interesting, this is one trail we'll not be returning to. Sorry Beloit, we bailed and went to Janesville's Ice Age Trail.
I have been riding this trail for three years now. (2024 - 2026) No more. The gravel has, in many places, turned dusty, deep and slippery. You might enjoy the gravel on a gravel bike. I ride a skinny tire road bike. OK for the first two years. Not OK this year.
Bike type: Hybrid (Specialized Sirus 2019)
Conditions: mid-70's, light breeze, dry
Segment biked: Just south of Algonquin to Barnard Mill Rd (north of McHenry) = 40 miles
I started my ride around 9:30am on a July Friday. I had biked a few miles of the trail just north of downtown Algonquin before, the rest was new to me. Perfect conditions motivated me in every way. Perfect temps, full sun, and breeze kept me going for my longest ride since 1997.
The entire path that I rode was asphalt. There are a couple of deviations through downtown areas when you're on sidewalks or streets. But everything was paved. Riding from town to town has always been a favorite, but the Prairie trail gie you even more than that. North of Crystal Lake you'll find miles on end of straight path and very little to see except nature. There's also Sterne's Woods, which really threw me for a loop. Can't say I've ever seen signs that tell bikers to dismount. Then you find out why. There are several hills back here to test your fortitude. At least three hills look to be close to a 45-degree angles. If you're riding these as I did, be careful and make sure you're only tempting them in optimal conditions (dry, no wind). Just coasting pushed me close to 40mph. These hills are as tough as they come to climb in Illinois. Algonquin, Crystal Lake and McHenry all offer pitstops if you need one. I saw two other parking lots away from the towns with benches and bathrooms. I had read from other reviewers that the path north of Barnard Mill Rd was gravel and dicey, so I didn't tempt that. My hybrid tires can hold their own, but it only takes one sharp piece of gravel to strand you far from your starting point. All in all, this path is a 10 out of 10 in my opinion. It's extremely well kept up, very diverse, ridable for any type of bike, with amenities and beauty along the way.
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