Hiking Trails in the Alton/Godfrey, Illinois Area

There are many hiking trails within the Alton/Godfrey, Illinois area that are family oriented, providing fun for families who enjoy the outdoors, whether it be during the hot summer months or cold winter season. Pere Marquette State Park, Glazebrook Park, and along The Great River Road are three of my favorite places for hiking. Even though these parks are all in the same general area, each one has something different to offer hikers.

Pere Marquette State Park

Pere Marquette State Park, which overlooks the Illinois River, is located about 20 miles north of Alton, Illinois. It is an 8000-acre park with approximately 12 miles of hiking trails weaving through the lush wooded area. The ten different trails are excellently marked so you cannot get lost. Maps are provided at the visitor center that show the levels of trail difficulty, miles each trail encompasses and where the scenic views are located. The maps also include the nearest parking areas adjacent to each hiking trail. These hiking trails are favorites with the Boy Scouts troops in the area. For local residents, the most popular time of year for hiking in Pere Marquette State Park is the fall and winter.

In the fall, Pere Marquette State Park is famous for its autumn display of gold, yellow, and burnt orange forest colors. The cold month of January brings the migration of the Bald Eagle to this area and there is no better place to view these majestic birds soaring through the sky than from the high mountainous trails of this park.

Glazebrook Park

If you prefer a less wooded and more flat terrain for hiking, try Glazebrook Park in Godfrey, Illinois. Located at 1401 Stamper Lane, Glazebrook Park has 40 acres of ground, which includes over 1.5 miles of trails. The tail is covered in asphalt and is almost all flat ground making it a favorite with local runners and the elderly. Some areas of the trail are lined with woods, giving the hiker an occasional view of a squirrel, rabbit or even a deer. Benches provided in certain spots along the trail gives the hiker a chance to rest and observe the calm wooded scenery. The park also has a pond, gazebo and an ample parking area.

The Great River Road

Between Alton, Illinois and Pere Marquette State Park lies the 20-mile hiking trail of The Great River Road that contains one of the most beautiful terrains in the area. On one side of the trail are the high, steep bluffs, carved out rock millions of years ago by Mother Nature and on the other side are the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The two rivers converge along the trail at Grafton Illinois. With several parking areas provided along the paved trail, hikers can choose the distance of the trail they wish to complete.

The hiking trail, which is officially named the Sam M Vadalabene Trail, is a favorite with local residents who love the relatively easy flat terrain. This trail is dotted with historic scenic views such as the Piasa Bird. Depending on the time of day, hikers are sure to view squirrels, rabbits and deer as they come down from the bluffs to drink from the river's edge. It is a favorite for locals and tourists during the autumn season for its colorful foliage and in the winter months for the viewing of the Bald Eagles.

Sources: Personal Experience, www.greatriverroad.com