Hit the Trails to Discover Local Gems

Hit the Trails to Discover Local Gems

By Jermaine Pigee, assistant managing editor

Whether you’re driving, biking, paddling or hiking, there are wonderful trails to explore in our region.

Among them is the relatively new Rock River Trail, established in 2010, which showcases the Rock River Valley in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin and stretches 320 miles northeast from the Mississippi River.

“There isn’t one reason why people would say this trail isn’t interesting,” says Therese Oldenburg, a member of the Rock River Trail Initiative.

This route is not a typical recreation trail. While it follows bike paths in some places, and people have been known to kayak or canoe their way along it, the Rock River Trail is really more of a scenic, recreational and historic route that traces the river. From the trail’s beginning in Waupun, Wis., to its terminus in Rock Island, Ill., travelers meander through 37 riverside communities.

“There’s a lot to do along this trail,” Oldenburg says. Maps are available online at rockrivertrail.com, and signs are posted along the trail to inform travelers about points of interest.

“There are places for overnight campsites and places where people can enter and exit the river,” Oldenburg says.

One common way to experience the trail is by following a network of bike routes along the river.

“There are bike paths along the route, but they’re not connected,” Oldenburg says. “Our bike route sometimes runs through a community that has its own bike path. Rockford has a highly connected path, so it’s part of the trail. You can traverse on the trails, but there are times when you have to get on the road, too.”

Some people choose to drive the trail’s designated roadways, stopping along the way to explore.

“This is a scenic and historic route,” Oldenburg says. “Our driving route offers turn-by-turn directions that’ll keep people hugging the river as much as possible.”

Expect to see numerous historic landmarks and points of interest.

In recent years, sub-routes have been added, such as those for birders and chocolate lovers. On the latter tour, take your pick of 24 candy shops.

The birding trail suggests ideal vantage points for spotting birds along the river. Five cities in Wisconsin have been designated as official Bird Cities by Bird City Wisconsin, a group that encourages bird conservation and habitat preservation.

During the spring and fall migration, millions of birds travel along the Rock River flyway.

“People really love to go birding, and a it’s a huge tourist attraction,” Oldenburg says.

There’s also a new Wine and Beer Trail that highlights wineries, craft breweries, distilleries and waterfront dining areas.

The trail also includes a hiking route, horse trail and air route. The air route highlights 10 airports that are near the river.

No matter which route you choose, you can follow it at your own pace.

More Trails to Explore

The Rock River Trail isn’t the only way to explore our region. Numerous recreational trails follow scenic routes that flow between charming towns and peaceful wilderness.

Jane Addams Recreation Trail

This beautiful multi-use trail stretches 17 miles through forest, wetland, farmland and prairie, from Tutty’s Crossing Trailhead in downtown Freeport to the Wisconsin state line, where it joins the Badger Trail, a 40-mile trail to Madison.

The Jane Addams Trail has 4.1 miles of asphalt-paved path from Tutty’s Crossing Trailhead to Wes Block Trailhead, also in Freeport. From there, it follows a 10-foot wide, level-grade, crushed limestone surface.

Sugar River State Trail

This trail follows 24 miles of abandoned railroad line in southern Wisconsin, from New Glarus to Brodhead. There’s an access trail connecting Sugar River State Trail to New Glarus Woods State Park.

Fourteen bridges cross the trail as it passes though farmland, woods, rolling hills and scenic meadows along a level grade, on sections of either smooth limestone or asphalt surface.

Long Prairie Trail/Stone Bridge Trail

This 14.2-mile asphalt path winds through northern Boone County, Ill., following the former Kenosha Division Line railroad bed. It passes from County Line Road in Capron through Poplar Grove and Caledonia. At the Winnebago County line, it becomes the Stone Bridge Trail, which ends in western Rockton, Ill.

This trail passes through woodlands, fields and prairies. Its crushed-limestone surface is perfect for hikers and bikers.

Byron Forest Trail

The Byron Forest Preserve has 25 miles of trails, ideal for hiking and appreciating nature. The trails provide a firsthand look at prairies, oak savannas, woodlands, wetlands, creeks and riverbanks. Some trails are marked for horseback riding. ❚

These three Beloit residents enjoyed a spectacular view of the Rock River from Castle Rock State Park as they followed the entire 320-mile Rock River Trail, paddling part of the way.

(Therese Oldenburg photo)