River Trail of Illinois, Illinois, United States

5Taylor B 5:00 PM Apr 22, 2016

Just an enjoyable walk in the park
River Trail of Illinois or Carl "Bud" Schmitt Trail is a two-phase hiking and biking trail that covers nine miles in Tazewell County and travels southeast along the old Illinois Terminal Railway line from East Peoria to Morton. Resurfaced in 2011 and recently named for Schmitt, a long-time advocate for East Peoria's parks and trails, it allows trail users to experience a bit of tall-grass prairie, bluff and forest habitats that comprise the Illinois River Valley. The northern portion of the trail, under East Peoria jurisdiction, lies between Main Street and Hawthorn Avenue. The Morton portion of the trail is two miles long and begins near the intersection of West Jackson Street and Detroit Avenue. A half-mile extension spur leads to Westwood Park. In Peoria, you can access the River Trail of Illinois from the Fondulac Park District Headquarters at 201 Veterans Drive. In Morton, you can access the trail from Westwood Park, which is located on Veterans Road north of Jackson Street or U.S. Route 150) or from West Jefferson Street southeast of its intersection with Detroit Avenue. Locals claim the new paved surface also is convenient for inline skating. Schmitt devoted 43 years of service to the park district and was instrumental in the construction of the first phase of the trail in 1991. The 4.8-mile stretch provides a safe scenic route for outdoor recreation year round. The trail also affords patrons the opportunity to experience the natural preservation of wildflowers, grasses, trees and wildlife. The second phase of the trail was completed in 1992. Approximately 1.8 miles in length, about 1,200 feet of the trail is comprised of a six-foot wide boardwalk with three large decks overlooking the wetland area adjacent to the Illinois River. The remainder of the River Trail is a gravel walkway. There are shelters and restrooms along the way. It is a wonderful way to spend a sunny summer afternoon. The exercise can always do you good.

4Vacationer9898 5:00 PM Sep 23, 2017

Nice Trail that connects easily to Rock Island Trail
The River Trail of Illinois is a nice trail that will connect with Granite City Food & Brewery, goes behind Embassy Suites, as well as Bass Pro Shop and the new Holiday Inn Express. The trail is blacktop which offers a short beautiful view of the Illinois River as well as a great view of Downtown Peoria. The trail goes to Morton, and it also runs across the Illinois River to Downtown Peoria which will take you by the Gateway Building, Peoria Boat Club and easily connects to the Rock Island Trail through Springdale Cemetery. Be careful once you get out of Downtown Peoria approaching Springdale Cemetery as the neighborhood safety is VERY QUESTIONABLE !