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Schwiebert Riverfront Park – Sylvan Slough loop from Hampton

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Schwiebert Riverfront Park – Sylvan Slough loop from Hampton

Moderate

3.1

(12)

riders

Schwiebert Riverfront Park – Sylvan Slough loop from Hampton

03:45

62.6km

160m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 9.31 km for 112 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.04 km

Mississippi River View

Highlight • Viewpoint

9.37 km

Ben Butterworth Parkway

Beach

14.7 km

I-74 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This bridge parallels the course of I-74 across the Mississippi River, keeping cyclists and other pedestrians safely away from the fast-moving vehicles. The bridge connects to cycleways on either side of the river, and also has a viewing area with an oculus.

Tip by

22.0 km

Rock Island Centennial Bridge view

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Rock Island Centennial Bridge, spanning the Mississippi River, was constructed to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the city of Rock Island, Illinois, in 1940. Its elegant design and strategic location have made it an iconic landmark, facilitating transportation and fostering connections between Rock Island and Davenport, Iowa, for over eight decades.

Tip by

41.7 km

Government Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This impressive and historical bridge is an unusual structure in that it is a double-decked bridge. It carries two railroad lines on top and vehicular/pedestrian traffic on the lower deck. It spans the Mississippi connecting Rock Island, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa.

Tip by

41.9 km

Fort Armstrong

Highlight • Historical Site

If you are looking for a historical and scenic trail running destination, you should check out Fort Armstrong on the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois. This fort was built in 1816 as part of a chain of western frontier defenses after the War of 1812. It was also the military headquarters during the Black Hawk War of 1832, a conflict between the United States and the Native American tribes of the Sauk and Fox. You can run along the Mississippi River and enjoy the views of the Arsenal Island, which was once considered sacred by the Sauk leader Black Hawk. Fort Armstrong at the Rock Island Arsenal is a great place to experience the history and nature of the region while getting some exercise.

Tip by

43.2 km

Schwiebert Riverfront Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Schwiebert Riverfront Park offers a variety of features, including art sculptures, a digital playground, a fountain, a great lawn, an observation shelter, a parking lot, a promenade, restrooms, a stage, a triangle lawn, an urban concrete beach, and a walk/jog path/trail. The park was named after former Mayor Mark Schwiebert, who lived from 1989 to 2009, for his dedication to enhancing public access to the riverfront. The park hosts live music events and is a picturesque setting for leisure and for recreation.

Tip by

43.8 km

Sylvan Slough

Highlight • River

Sylvan Slough is a river in Illinois that passes Rock Island.

If you follow the river further east, you'll get wonderful views to Rock Island Arsenal and Sylvan Island.

Tip by

44.4 km

Mississippi River Trail (MRT) — Illinois

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Mississippi River Trail (MRT) is a long distance bike trail that traverses 10 states. It travels for over 2,000 continuous miles on each side of the river, between the headwaters at Lake Itasca, Minnesota and the Gulf of Mexico. It is still work in progress but when complete the route will consist of trails and bike-friendly roads, with “MRT” signs identifying the way.

In Illinois, the MRT route goes through some of the state’s most diverse landscapes and provides miles of great cycling. It hugs historic canals, crosses unglaciated hills, parallels the Rock and Fox Rivers, and includes one of America’s first rail-trails.

Tip by

62.6 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

46.7 km

9.22 km

4.61 km

1.73 km

209 m

169 m

Surfaces

44.4 km

14.5 km

1.93 km

1.71 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (220 m)

Lowest point (170 m)

Weather

Today

Thursday 9 July

31°C

21°C

35 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Description

If you're looking for a diverse touring cycling experience that blends river views with natural beauty and urban history, the Schwiebert Riverfront Park – Sylvan Slough loop from Hampton is a solid choice. This moderate route covers 38.9 miles (62.6 km) with a gentle 527 feet (161 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 44 minutes to complete. It's an excellent option for cyclists seeking a scenic, accessible ride with plenty to see, making it a popular choice for those exploring cycling routes near Hampton, Illinois.

What to expect on Schwiebert Riverfront Park – Sylvan Slough loop from Hampton

This route takes you on a journey along the Great River Trail, offering majestic vistas of the Mississippi River and passing through charming river towns. As you approach Moline and Rock Island, the scenery shifts, blending urban development with the natural beauty of the Sylvan Slough. Here, you'll find backwaters teeming with lily pads and waterfowl, and year-round views of historic Sylvan Island and Arsenal Island. The terrain is mostly paved and nearly flat, but Sylvan Island introduces crushed limestone sections and even some challenging dirt mountain biking trails if you're looking for more adventure. It's a family-friendly cycling route, suitable for most riders, with the option to dial up the challenge.

Planning your visit

The Great River Trail, which forms a significant part of this loop, is known for being in excellent condition. While much of the route is paved, be aware of the crushed limestone and potential dirt sections on Sylvan Island. The soil on Sylvan Island dries quickly after rain, often making it one of the first trail systems available in the Quad Cities. Winter offers a unique opportunity to observe bald eagles feeding in the open water near the Sylvan Slough Natural Area, making it a prime time for wildlife viewing. Parking is generally accessible in Hampton, providing a convenient starting point for your ride.

Trail details

Distance: 38.9 miles (62.6 km)
Elevation gain: 527 feet (161 metres)
Difficulty: moderate
Estimated time: 3 hours and 44 minutes

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Schwiebert Riverfront Park – Sylvan Slough loop from Hampton

Mississippi River View

I-74 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge

Rock Island Centennial Bridge view

Government Bridge

Fort Armstrong

Schwiebert Riverfront Park

Sylvan Slough

Mississippi River Trail (MRT) — Illinois

Nearby routes

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