Rail Trails Don”t Miss The Boat
People from all over the world visit The Quad Cities to ride our local trails along The Mississippi. It is wonderful, but don’t limit yourselves. Get out and enjoy Fall temperatures and the changing leaves all over The Midwest.
Iowa alone has more than 400 miles in trails created by converting old railways into bicycle paths. In fact, you can travel all across Iowa almost exclusively on rail trails!
The Rails To Trails Conservancy offers all sorts of lists, maps and constantly updated information on trails all over the country. Nearly all having camping facilities in or near them. Facebook groups, such as the following, offer great information on amenities available and even ride partners.
https://tinyurl.com/33ef4tr6
The first of these trails was Sparta-Elroy created in the late 60’s. That’s an easy drive to South Eastern Wisconsin, but you really don’t have to go that far to experience some great trails. The photo at the top of the page is from last November. It is along The Bear River Trail in Preston, Iowa. It is little known and seldom used. I saw a dozen deer on the trail that day (I’ll probably ride it again today, Oct. 6th).
There is a great Multi-Use Path (MUP) in Clinton at the top of which you can view the widest spot on The Mississippi. I like The Rock Island Lines Trail in Wyoming, Illinois. Muscatine has seven trails that are nearly intersecting, including the amazing Deep Lakes Park. Finally, staying within 50 miles, there is the wide and paved Cedar River Trail between Solon and Cedar Falls, all the Iowa City Trails and The Ke-Wash trail between Keota and Washington, Iowa. Get out and enjoy Fall colors today and rent an e-bike from Ruby’s Beers, Bikes & Brats