Rock Island State Trail

Peoria County & Stark County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
Varies
Alta Road Trailhead:  40.812721, -89.640061

Kickapoo Creek Recreation Area Trailhead:  
40.827588, -89.657300

Prairie Nature Preserve Trailhead:
40.973889, -89.744766

Wyoming Trailhead:
41.06153910, -89.7685534

Various Communities:
Alta
Dunlap
​Princeville
Wyoming
​Toulon

Official Websites
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/greenwaysandtrails/Pages/RockIsland.aspx
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/RockIslandTrail.aspx

Activities: 
Trails (hiking, biking)
Camping at  Kickapoo Creek Recreation Area (Class D primitive, not vehicle accessible)
Snow (snowshoe, cross-country ski)
Other (picnic)
 
Season/Hours:  year round, sunrise to sunset
 
Dog Friendly:  yes (leashed)
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online:
Online:  https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/PublishingImages/RockIslandTrailSiteMap.PNG
On Site:  trailhead at Kickapoo Creek Recreation Area
 
Parking:  parking lots at trailheads
 
Amenities:  benches along trail; picnic shelter and tables at tent camping area at Kickapoo Creek Recreation Area (not vehicle accessible)
 
Restrooms: pit toilets at Alta trailhead and camping area
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps:  All Trails, Trailforks
 
Cost:  fee for camping, otherwise free    

Historical and/or Scientific Significance:  historic; birding hotspot
 
Terrain/Views/Access: 
forest, hills, prairie, open grass space
stream access (at Kickapoo Creek Recreation Area)

General Description:  26-mile state trail 

OPAL’s Observations & Opinions:  The Rock Island Trail adjoins the Rock Island Greenway at Alta.  The Rock Island Greenway continues through Peoria.  The Rock Island State Trail was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2003.

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
Rock Island State Trail Brochure (PDF)
​Rock Island State Trail Map, Alta to Toulon (PDF)

More Information:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2393450?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec

https://www.peoriamagazines.com/pm/2021/may/recreational-trails-make-good-neighbors

​https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/RockIslandTrail.aspx

https://www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2011/may/riding-rock-island-trail-and-more

https://www.traillink.com/trail/rock-island-trail-(il)/
​
http://www.ritrailillinois.org

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Island_Trail_State_Park_(Illinois)

​http://greatriverroad-illinois.org/pdfs/Great_Rivers_Country_Bicycle_Trails_Guide.pdf

http://www.nrtdatabase.org/trailDetail.php?recordID=3366#three

Managed by:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
311 E Williams
Wyoming, IL  61491
309-695-2228

Rock Island State Trail and Rock Island Greenway combined

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Rock Island State Trail, Alta Access

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Rock Island State Trail, Kickapoo Creek Access