Map of bike paths / walking paths in the Moline area

Recreational trails for walking, running and cycling in Moline, Illinois

Moline, East Moline, Rock Island and Milan are located along the Mississippi River in Northwestern Illinois. These communities are situated across the river from Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa.

The major recreational trails in this area are the Great River Trail and the Hennepin Canal State Trail. There is also a 5-mile long recreational trail south of the Rock River called the Hennepin Canal Trail. There are hiking trails in the Black Hawk Forest Nature Preserve and walking paths in Longview Park. Across the river, the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf have a number of recreational trails and these trails can be reached via the pedestrian walkways along the bridges that cross the Mississippi River.

Great River Trail

The Great River Trail is a 57-mile long paved and unpaved pathway that follows alongside the Mississippi River in Northwestern Illinois and travels along the riverfront of Rock Island and Moline. The trail then heads north along the Mississippi River and reaches as far as Savanna. The Great River Trail offers beautiful views of the Mississppi River and connects several parks and other points of interest.

The Great River Trail is paved is some sections, has a compacted crushed stone surface in others. The trail is not continuous and in some locations, trail users will need to travel along streets to get to the next section. The trail is open for bike riding, walking and running.

Read more about the Great River Trail

Hennepin Canal State Trail

The Hennepin Canal State Trail is a 155 mile long unpaved pathway that extends between Moline and Rock Falls with a branch extending to Bureau Junction in Northwestern Illinois. The trail is located along the old towpath for the canal and is rich in history. The canal is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are historic locks and aqueducts along the route for learning more about the history of this area.

The canal crosses the Northwestern Illinois countryside, going through forested areas and wide open farmland. There are a number of communities along the route, and there are numerous trailheads at many of the road crossings with parking. Some of the trailheads have restrooms and picnic tables, but not all. The route is away from traffic and urban congestion. Traveling along the canal makes for a beautiful bike ride or a pleasant stroll.

The Hennepin Canal State Trail has a wide graded unpaved surface. The trail is open for non-motorized uses such as bike riding and hiking, except in winter when some portions allow snowmobiling. Horses are also allowed in some stretches of the trail. Fishing and boating are allowed along the canal.

Read more about the Hennepin Canal State Trail

Hennepin Canal Trail

Hennepin Canal Trail is a 5-mile long unpaved trail that follows along the canal located to the south of Rock River and south of Rock Island. The trail goes past the community of Milan. The trail crosses the river with the bridge for the Rock Island - Milan Parkway. The trail then has a branch that goes west to Ben Williamson Park and another branch the stops at 52nd Avenue and 7th Street.

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Resources

Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the recreational trails located in Moline, Illinois.