Hiking

Get Your Blood Pumping with a Quad Cities Hike

Beautiful trails are just waiting to be discovered!

Hiking is a favorite activity throughout the QC’s four seasons, and our parks and forest preserves take you deep into woodland settings with hills, valleys, rocky outcroppings and amazing views.

The spring and summer months bring greenery and native flowers, while the fall explodes with color, and the winter brings beautiful snow covered trail settings where not a sound can be heard.

Take in views of the Rock River, rocky outcroppings, and an abandoned coal mine during a hike at Black Hawk State Historic Site — home of one of the least-disturbed forests in Illinois and six miles of hiking trails that were once settled by the Sauk nation.

Other great hikes include Scott County Park, Maquoketa Caves and Loud Thunder Forest Preserve. The 1,208 acres of Scott County Park feature beautiful dirt trail systems, challenging hills, and beautiful woodland scenery. Maquoketa Caves State Park is home to the caves and a 1.7 mile loop trail with a beautiful waterfall. Loud Thunder has a two-mile moderate level and a 12-mile continuous loop moderate level for visitors to enjoy.

Go take a hike on one of the many trails systems detailed below.

Quad Citizens Tip

We enjoy a walk at Sunset Park and watching the river traffic.

Wanda W. – Get Outdoors

The lazy river at the Botanical Center is a great place to kids to play in water, float boats and build a dam.

Linda T. – Get Outdoors

Our family likes to go to the Botanical Garden (Rock Island and Vander Veer), Putnum, free concerts in the park during Summer, go to events at the library.

Amanda W. – Get Outdoors

Every year, I look forward to the Illowa Orchid Society show and sale at the QC Botanical Center. People come from all over Iowa and Illinois to see the beautiful flowers. I never leave empty-handed!

Tyson Danner – Get Outdoors

I love the Scott County Park horse trail. There’s a clearing I call “the cathedral “. It’s 2 rows of tall pine trees, so beautiful.

Dori L. – Get Outdoors

Blackhawk state park, Milan Rock River bike path, Butterworth Mississippi River walk way in Moline are all great.

Jenny R. – Get Outdoors

We love Smith’s Island at Lock and Dam 14 just downriver from LeClaire, Iowa.

Cindy B. – Get Outdoors

We go to Stephens Park and then Sylvan Island.

Shawn R – Get Outdoors

We go to Wildcat Den State Park and also Discovery Park in Muscatine if someone needs level, paved trails.

Denise A. – Get Outdoors

We love Scott County Park for camping and hiking and swimming. Hennepin Canal for walking, fishing and long distance biking.

Teri F. – Get Outdoors

Sunderbruch Park in the west end of Davenport is good for all kinds of outdoor activities. Biking, hiking and learning to be a ninja warrior!

Rodell A. – Get Outdoors

For a walk or a hike in the woods or on even paths, we go to Black Hawk State Historic site in Rock Island. For a walk with various levels on nice even paths, Prospect Park in Moline.

Deborah D. – Get Outdoors

We enjoy Blackhawk State Park, and Vander Veer.

Brandy H. – Get Outdoors

We love walking through Black Hawk State Park, visiting the Family Museum & John Deere Pavillion, and the Bass Street Concert Series & Murphy Park Series in the summer.

McKenzie T. – Get Outdoors

I really like Nahant Marsh. It's good for a quick nature walk and it's a good place for the kids to engage in nature and see lots of little critters. They have family programs, kids camps, and toddler activities as well as special events. –

Jessica P. – Get Outdoors

One of my favorite places in the QC is Scott County Park. The trail system there is extensive, with a variety of difficulty levels so there’s something for everyone. An amazing spot for walking, hiking, and picnics.

Tyson Danner – Get Outdoors

Executive Director, River Music Experience

Get Your Blood Pumping with a Quad Cities Hike

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