Guide to Biking, Hiking & Walking
in the
Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway Area


The Sam Vadalabene Trail
near the Brussels Free Ferry

The Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail
Breath taking scenery awaits the cyclist or hiker that travel this 20 mile trail running along the Great River Road from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park. The entire route is paved with a separate path parallel to the highway unless the limestone bluffs come right down to the Great River Road. Visitors can expect to see flowering trees in the spring, some of the greatest colors in the area in the fall, and Bald Eagles in the winter. The historic village of Elsah and the bustling town of Grafton are situated directly on the route offering great places to take a break. Experienced riders can climb the scenic drive in Pere Marquette State Park for panoramic views of the countryside.

The Confluence Bikeway
This approximately 25 mile asphalt bike trail is due to completed by the end of April, 2002. An official opening ceremony is scheduled for summer of 2002. Beginning at Lock and Dam #27 at the southern tip of Chouteau Island near Granite City, Illinois, this bike trail is part of a larger project of bike trails coordinated by the The Confluence Greenway Project. The trail is built atop river levees and parallels the Mississippi River passing by the soon to be opened Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, the towns of Hartford, Wood River and East Alton, the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, and the National Great Rivers Museum. The Confluence Bikeway links up with the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail and the West Alton Bike Trail in Alton. Future plans by the Confluence Greenway Project include linking the Confluence Bikeway with existing trails in St. Louis making it possible to ride on dedicated trails free of vehicles from downtown St. Louis to Pere Marquette State Park. 

West Alton Bike Trail 
The 2 mile West Alton Trail provides a scenic, key link between Missouri’s KATY Trail and the Illinois trails in the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway Area. Sights include the William Clark bridge, the Melvin Price Locks and Dams and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area.

Biking the Roads of Illinois There's more than the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail. Smooth prairies, rolling hills and farmland, quaint villages - the roads of Illinois offer these sights and more with routes that range from easy family-friendly options to challenges for the most rugged of bikers.

Hiking Trails at Pere Marquette State Park The park offers approximately 12 miles of marked trails that provide opportunities for both beginning and experienced hikers. Lush forests, towering bluffs, an abundance of wildlife, spectacular fall colors and wintering Bald Eagles provide the perfect backdrop for an outing.

Olin Nature Preserve
Located on the top of the Mississippi bluffs in Godfrey, the Olin Nature Preserve is a 300 acre Illinois Nature Preserve with wide trails through woodlands and native hill prairies, and contains several scenic views overlooking the Mississippi River. The Preserve is closed from November 15 to March 15.

Illinois Bicycle Safety Tips and Laws provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

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