Galena River Trail

The Galena River Trail offers 8.0 miles (one way) of scenic hiking, biking or cross country skiing for users. The hard surfaced finely crushed rock trail is open to the public at no cost. The surface is best suited for mountain bikes and hybrids, but road bikes are frequently seen on the trail.

Map of the Galena River Trail

Rules and Regulations for the Galena River Trail

Free parking is available at several trail entry areas, including the under the US Highway 20 bridge, Meeker Street at Field Street, Recreation Park, and at Aiken on South River Road. Please note: For the safety of all, the trail is closed annually during firearm deer hunting season. Refer to the City’s News & Announcements web page for updates.

The 3.4 mile Galena Junction Trail segment and 2.1 mile Aiken Trail segment are favorites of many trail enthusiasts. Originating from Depot Park just below the U.S. 20 Highway bridge, the forested trail winds south to Galena Junction and the backwaters of the Mississippi River.

At the junction, it is not uncommon to obtain a close view of a passing train. Interpretive signs detailing the history, flora and fauna of the area are located throughout this segment. From the junction, continue east along the foot of the bluffs for more outstanding views of the Mississippi River backwaters.

A spur trail to the Casper Bluff Reserve is located about 1.0 mile from the junction. A bike rack is provided at the entry of the spur trail as bikes are not permitted in the reserve. The reserve contains 20 Native American mounds and a thunderbird effigy. The Galena Junction Trail and Aiken Trail offer some of the best bird watching in the regional.

While the trail officially ends at the intersection with South River Road at Aiken, users may make a right turn and continue 2.6 miles on lightly traveled South River Road to the base of Chestnut Mountain Resort. Please observe the rules of the road when travelling on roads. A shelter, bike pump, bike tools, and a porta potty are available roadside at the base of the ski slope. The resort offers free chair lift rides for cyclists wishing to visit the resort restaurants or amenities at the top of the slope.

You may continue south 1.9 miles past Chestnut Mountain to the Blanding Landing Corps of Engineers Campground. The campground has restrooms and water available seasonally. Please note there is one challenging hill, appropriately nicknamed “Sky High” one mile beyond Chestnut Mountain.

Galena River Trail Bird Sightings List

Find more racetracks here: https://www.illinipowersports.com/category/racetracks/

Find more info about Galena River ATV Park here: https://www.cityofgalena.org/residents/parks-and-facilities/parks/galena-river-trail

The Galena River. 91 Bouthillier St, Galena, IL 61036

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Galena River Trail

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