Rockford Bike Trails: Wind Your Way Through the City
From flat land to rolling hills to beautiful river views, the Rockford bike trails offer something for everyone. If you haven't been on a bicycle lately, hop on one and check out these favorite Rockford bike trails:
Rock River Recreation Path
The Rockford Park District describes the Rock River Recreation Path as the "Grand Daddy" of the city's many bike paths. As cyclists pedal the 10-mile stretch, they are treated to beautiful views of the river as well as some local landmarks. The path was created as a bicentennial community project in 1976 and runs from Davis Park in downtown Rockford, across the State Street Bridge (or Jefferson Street Pedestrian Bridge) and north to Madision Street. The path winds past the YMCA, through Sinnissippi Gardens and Rockford's bright red Symbol sculpture through Shorewood and Martin parks.
Blackhawk Country Roads
This bike tour was created in 1977 by the Blackhawk Bicycle Club and the challenge is part of Memorial Day festivities in Rockford every year. The tour begins on the banks of the Rock River and continues up and down rolling hills and river bottomland of the Sugar, Otter, Raccoon and Pecatonica rivers. Riders may choose to go as far as 60 miles through the villages of Rockton and Roscoe, with stops at the Duck Pond and Beckman Mill. These are areas that would have been familiar to the warrior Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk American Indian tribe.
Rock Cut State Park
If you're into mountain biking, with adventurous off-road trails, then Rock Cut State Park is the place to go. There is a great variety of trails totaling more than 20 miles for all skill levels. Plus, there is a bike path that goes through the park for anyone who doesn't ride off road. Trail users will find updated information signs at picnic areas and trail access points for trail information and regulations. Only certain trails are designated for mountain biking and equestrian use and are identified by colored trail markers. Blue trails are for mountain biking and hiking, yellow trails are for equestrian and hiking and red trails are restricted to hiking only.
Perryville Path
This paved trail system helps connect the communities of Loves Park and Rockford to Rock Cut State Park. Cyclists can begin their trek on the nearly 15-mile path system at Argus Drive or at Trainer Road at the Saturn Playground. The path will take them to several area landmarks, including a loop at the Midway Village & Museum Center on Guilford Road, the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza just south of Riverside Boulevard and a loop through Rock Valley College.
Willow Creek Path
This winding path in a parklike setting opened in 1997. It begins at Harlem High School on North Alpine Road in Machesney Park and extends east along the creek 1.57 miles into Rock Cut State Park. Features along the path include a route to Harlem Community Park, Project Playworks, SkateWorks and Dennis Johnson Park with a playground and tennis courts.
Leave a comment below to let us know your favorite bike path in Rockford.
Posted on Oct 7, 2011 by Brian Bixler
