Alliant Powerline Trail

Iowa

1 Reviews

A short trail that makes creative use of a utility corridor on the southeastern bluffs of Dubuque, the Alliant Powerline Trail provides a paved, tree-lined path perfect for dog-walking or exercising - and also serves as a connection to popular recreation areas and attractions that avoids the nearby busy highway. The trail is part of a network in Dubuque called the Mississippi River Trail, consisting mostly on signed on-road bike routes that provides a convenient means of traversing the city.

The trail begins across the road from the entrance to Louis Murphy Park, an 80-acre local park home to tennis courts and playgrounds, grills and picnic areas, as well as restroom facilities. A pair of benches flank the trailhead, which is easy to spot thanks to the powerlines that give the trail its name. Heading down the trail, the asphalt path quickly begins a decline down the hill, and maintains some amount of downhill for the rest of the route. While the powerlines are not the most scenic or natural accompaniment, the rest of the corridor is fully wooded and shady, providing a surprisingly tranquil experience. The southern end of the trail ends at a water treatment facility, but just a short jaunt down the road takes you into the beautiful Mines of Spain Recreation Area, providing over 1400 acres of land preserved for wildlife and recreational use along the Catfish Creek and its junction with the Mississippi. The nearby Julien Dubuque Monument offers fabulous views of the mighty river, and a variety of unpaved foot trails in the park allow you to explore the area and access more picnic sites. The Alliant Powerline Trail provides convenient access for the nearby neighborhoods to take advantage of these vital community assets.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available at Louis Murphy Park on the trail's northern end, just off of Highway 61 via S Grandview Avenue. Parking is also available past the trail's southern end in the Mines of Spain Recreation Area at the Catfish Creek Foot Trail Lot, off of Mines of Spain Road.