Type: Trail, Point-to-point
Difficulty: 2 / 10
Altitude: 750 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, with leash
Jog-Stroller Friendly: Unknown
Filed Under: Running
A former railway corridor, this 26-mile hiking and biking trail offers natural and architectural attractions reminiscent of the early 1900s. Shrouded in a tree-canopied corridor, the trail runs along a rail bed that was abandoned in the late 1950s and was opened as a recreational trail in 1989. The linear path stretches from Alta, in Peoria County, to Toulon, in Stark County. A gentle grade makes the running easy, and the entire trail is marked each mile so you can run just as far as you like and then turn back, tailoring your run to your liking.
Prairie grass and wildflowers co-exist as remnants of early rail travel along the trail. Just north of Alta, an arched culvert provides a lovely backdrop for the natural beauty of the area. At the Peoria and Stark County line, a tall grass prairie remnant provides a step back into time and allows visitors to see the Illinois that the early settlers experienced. Just a few miles from the Toulon access area, a trestle bridge spans the Spoon River between Wyoming and Toulon.
Begin in Alta, northwest of Peoria, and trek through a tunnel of trees for about two miles. Just past the Kickapoo Creek Recreation Area, look for a beautiful view of the creek bed and surrounding area before arriving at the edge of Dunlap.
The next segment is a blend of farmland and wooded areas. The town of Princeville, located off the trail, is about halfway to Toulon.
Continuing north to Wyoming, hikers will see the old Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad Depot, a small wooden depot. The trail goes through Wyoming and picks up again on the north end of town. The most scenic stretch of the hike is between Wyoming and Toulon, which features rural scenes and pretty vistas over the Spooner River. A wooden bridge along this stretch is a cool resting spot. From here, continue on the trail for four miles to the parking lot on the edge of Toulon.
The Rock Island Trail State Park stretches from Alta to Toulon, encountering Dunlap, Princeville and Wyoming along the way. The park office located in Wyoming can be reached from I-80 and I-74.
If traveling I-80, approximately 12 miles west of Princeton, take Rt 40 south. Continue south to Rt. 17. Turn right (west) on Rt. 17. Drive approximately 7 miles to Wyoming. At the 4-way stop in Wyoming, turn left (east). Drive 3 blocks, and you will see the water tower on your right. The park office is located ? block past (east of) the tower in the Railroad Depot. Park office is located at mile #20 on the trail.
If traveling I-74, at the northwest corner of Peoria, take Rte 6 north to Chillicothe exit (the outer loop 474 turns into Rte 6 north at the junction of I-74). Drive to 3rd exit-"Allen Road" exit. Turn left (north) onto Allen Rd. After approximately 1 mile, the road will curve to the left, follow the left curve. You will be driving through Alta at this curve. Drive 7 tenths of a mile past the curve to Rock Island Trail parking lot on the right (north) side of Alta Rd. This is "Mile 0" of the trail.
Improved access points to Rock Island Trail are at Alta, Wyoming and Toulon. Parking, water and pit toilets are located at access areas. Parking only facilities are located at Dunlap (on Parks School Road) and Peoria/Stark County line (North Cedar Bluff Road, 00N). Where the trail intersects the small towns along its route of city streets and sidewalks, directional signs are utilized.
Posted by: tradkelly and last modified on Feb 02, 2006 by thoos
Comments
Earh-rider said ...
I rode from Princeville to Pionear parkway,last sunday.6-24-07.It was so nice to be fit to ride again[healyh reasons].I noticed the 30 tankcars still side lined on the rails,I read the article,in Jurnal Star,earlier this year...It is so rewarding,to have this trail,did not see any trash,none...my thanks go out to the care-takers,and fellow users,of this great rail trail....
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