The Metro-East Levee Trail offers a semicircle route around Cahokia, which lies south of St. Louis and east of the Mississippi River. It parallels a canal and sits atop a levee that is 30 feet high at some points. The experience offers a mixture of small hills and flat areas with views of wetlands and open green space.
Note, however, that the trail's surface is very rough and best suited for hiking. Though biking is permitted, even mountain bikers will find the ride challenging. There is also little shade along the route.
Parking is available near the east end of the trail at the Old Cahokia Courthouse (107 Elm Street).
I personally loved this bike trail. It is close to home and takes me straight to Belleville. It actually starts in Dupo. It definitely needs resurfaced and it would be a lot better
Good trail for riding, Quiet & Beautiful scenery. Great way to spend time for yourself or with family on nice Spring & Summer days. Very relaxing
This is a single-use trail, at best - suitable for hiking only, and even that, only with high-top boots! The surface is very large gravel or small rocks - Uncompacted Rock, as stated on the official MEPRD Trail Map.
I would only attempt to ride this trail on a mountain bike, and even that would be unpleasant. I've been on over sixty Illinois trails that are listed on TrailLink, and this has to be the very worst of the lot!
The surface is now thick, heavy gravel, making for an unpleasant ride. There is potential here, with interesting scenery and expansive views from the levee top. But after riding it from end to end, I decided to return on the highway instead of using the trail.
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