The Pelishek-Tiffany Nature Trail runs for 6 miles along an abandoned railroad corridor, between the towns of Allens Grove and Clinton. The trail is open to snowmobiles, cyclists, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. The wooded trail passes through cultivated fields along a pleasant route.
In Clinton park at Farmers Gateway off Lake Shore Road; east of town park at the Clinton snowmobile club's headquarters on E. County Rd. X just west of where the trail crosses County Rd. X. In Allens Grove park at the trail's east end off North Road by Hill Street.
Beautiful tree canopies. Trail mostly grass, but biking it was no problem. Very little use, only encountered 4 other people & they were walking. Parking lot at Clinton, but only street in parking at Allen-Grove.
Plenty of space to park stock trailer in gravel lot on Lake Shore Rd Clinton. Cute little covered bridge in small park with picnic tables was the start of my mule ride. There were trash receptacles, handicap accessible restroom & a wood post hitching rail. Many "sponsored" rest spots with wooden benches, picnic tables & some had roofs along the flat trail. Trail bed is wide, flat & firm as small crushed gravel & grass base. Views of plant/tree farm & rural properties after brief bit of SE side of Clinton. Mileage markers. Several blacktop road crossings. Easy, well-groomed trail. Small gravel lot at east end with trail map on kiosk. For lunch at Boar's Nest Bar ride Hill St (right uphill), stay right on Clinton St, quick Left along west side of the Park 1 block to stop sign Cty X. Ride directly across Cty X then straight across grass to cable picket line.
I-43 runs parallel to trail. Loud traffic but distance kept equines from becoming unnerved 🙂 Met a jogger, a hiker with a leashed dog on trail & 2 bicyclists at covered bridge. All were respectful of equines.
I have become fond of this trail for its natural surface and rural feel. Don’t try it with skinny tires since the ground can be soft in spots. Also great fun to encounter the occasional horses.
As you leave Clinton, you'll travel beneath a thick canopy of trees. Later, as you approach Allens Grove the trees are less numerous and you parallel a major highway, which can be a bit loud. Nevertheless, much of the trail is very peaceful and attractive. There are several spots along the trail to stop and picnic, but there are no camping areas. The trail ends below the village of Allens Grove, and you have to go up a rather steep hill to get to the town. There's not much to Allens Grove . . . if you want something to eat or drink there's a country tavern on County HiWay X just west of town. Clinton has much more to offer, but it too, is a small town. The only drawback to this trail is that it's compacted dirt and grass rather than crushed stone, thus it can be slow going, especially after a rain. Road bikes are not recommended, but it's great for families with children.
"This is a great weekend trail ride. The trip out and back is a little over 12 miles and takes about 2 hours for
a rider with average experience and endurance. It can be rough at times and riders are encouraged to take
it easy on their first time out to get a feel for the trail.
There are many hazards to look out for, one of which caught me by surprise my first time. There are about a
half dozen sink holes, most of which are about 1 ft. in diameter. And, a couple are hidden by the grass until
you are right on top of them.
The trails left by horseback riders can also be a nuisance, as the hoof marks from the horses can cause the trail to become quite
rough, not to mention all the droppings left in their trail.
To benefit the rider, there are wonderful covered rest areas placed appropriately throughout the trail and
several more seating areas between. There is plentiful wildlife, with birdhouses and wild flower
plantations throughout. I have seen plenty of wildlife on my visits and the scenery is wonderful. And, as if
that isn't enough, if you are a rail fan as I am, you will be pleased to know that, as this trail was built on an old
railroad grade, there are many historical objects remaining to see and explore all along the trail.
In conclusion, this is a great trail for the rider who wants to have some fun, get back to nature and get a
little exercise in the process."
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