Biking Trails
Do you like riding a bicycle? Do you like beautiful scenery? Then Carroll County is the place for you. Mile after mile of bike trails and roadways to explore. Spectacular views of nature, wildlife and wilderness all around to add to your adventure. Take the Great River Trail from Savanna to the Quad Cities all the Mighty Mississippi River. Take the winding backroads through rich farmland, farm animals, forests, and hills.
Bicycle Sales and Service
Arnold’s Bikes USA
831 Main Street
Thomson, Illinois 61285
815-259-8289
Arnold’s carries a wide variety of bikes with a price range to fit every budget. Catrike, Sun, and Fuji, plus a variety of used bikes of many different types and brands: Recumbent 2 Wheelers, Upright Pedal Forward/Comfort Bikes, Recumbent Trikes, Upright Trikes to Mountain bikes, Road bikes, Kid’s Bikes, and more. Also offers repairs and accessories for all your biking needs. Arnold’s strives to carry as many Made in USA products as we can find, and are adding more all the time! Located three blocks east of the Mississippi River and the Great River Trail Section of the Grand Illinois Trail.
Trails and Sites to See
Great River Trail
The Great River Trail recreational path extends 62 miles from Savanna, through the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge, to the Quad Cities and provides fantastic biking, hiking, running, and walking opportunities.
Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge
7071 Riverview Road
Thomson, Illinois 61285
815-273-2732
55,000 acres: biking, birding, boat launches, canoeing, fishing, gift shop, hiking, hunting, picnicking, wildlife observation.
Lost Mound Unit
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge
3700 Army Depot Road
Savanna, Illinois 61074
815-273-3184
Lost Mound is a 7,000-acre tract on the Mississippi River located on an old munitions testing army base that closed in 2000. Unique features of this site include sand prairie remnants, forests, backwater wetlands, old military buildings, Indian burial mounds and the largest sand dune in Illinois. Biking, birding, hiking, Prickly Pear and Black Oak Dune scenic overlook area.
Marquette Park
Wayne King Drive & Randolph Street
Savanna, Illinois 61074
815-273-4487
Seven acre park on the Mississippi River, boat launches, canoeing, fishing, picnicking, restrooms, & parking.
Mississippi Palisades State Park
16327A Route 84
Savanna, Illinois 61074
815-273-2731
As its name suggests, this 2,400-acre park sits on lofty steep bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, with river access below. The park offers beautiful scenery, biking, birding, boat launches, camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, scenic overlooks, and seasonal cross-country skiing.
Old Mill Park
9621 US Highway 52
Savanna, Illinois 61074
815-273-4487
Old Mill Park is 85 acres located on the northeast side of town featuring ball diamonds, tennis courts, basketball court, playground equipment, concession stand, two restroom buildings (one newly built accessible), and shelter houses. There is also a nature trail, walking trial, and plenty of green space for relaxing and picnicking. Open from April 15 through October 31. It is open to walk-in traffic after October 31 during the daylight hours. Persons who wish to walk or ‘play’ in the park may park at the front entrance near the Park Superintendent’s home.
Point Rock Park
182 South Mill Street
Mount Carroll, Illinois 61053
815-244-4424
Point Rock is a 25 acre city park that stretches along the banks of the Waukarusa River. One of the walking trails leads to the Oak Hill Cemetery, which has graves dating back to the Revolutionary War. Biking, fishing, frisbee golf course, hiking, parking, restrooms.
Spring Lake
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge
9496 Route 84
Thomson, Illinois 61285
815-273-2732
This site provides scenic views of both Spring Lake as well as the Mississippi River. Most notable is the 8.7 mile gravel path that runs along the edges of Spring Lake with two observation decks. Biking, birding, fishing, hiking, picnicking.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Thomson Causeway Recreation Area
Lewis Avenue and Main Street
Thomson, Illinois 61285
815-259-2353
At 64 acres, Thomson Causeway is the largest Army Corps of Engineers recreation area on the Mississippi River. Located at a wide spot on the river, it offers unobstructed views of the more than three mile wide main channel and of Potters Marsh. On the Great River Trail. Biking, birding, boat launches, camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking.