The Grand Illinois Trail - Recommended Trip 6 - Great River Trail

The GIT portion of the Great River Trail extends approximately 50 miles from East Moline to Savanna. Eleven small river towns are spaced along the path. Each town invites you to pause for a moment on the route to explore its history, culture and low-key commercial establishments. Stop for a cool drink and sit along the banks of the Mississippi River. Imagine 400 years of voyagers, steam boatsmen and passengers, mussel divers, and barge pilots moving along the river. Imagine 10,000 years of Native Americans living and moving in its waters and on its banks.

The route includes a variety of natural features, campgrounds and B&Bs. It includes spectacular views of the Mississippi River, Native American burial mounds, Great Blue Heron rookeries, eagles roosts and massive locks and dams.

South of Savanna you can even take a side trip unique to America--a levee walk, not along the shore, but out into the Mississippi River. You can hike a mile of it or, if you feel up to it, the full 20-mile round trip.

At the north end of the trail, park at the Chamber of Commerce (in the converted rail passenger car) in Savanna at the north end of the bike bridge. At the south end, park at Sylvan Island Park on the Mississippi in East Moline.

Order "Bike Hike or Walk the Great River Trail 2004" from the Bi-State Regional Commission (309-793-6300) and "Riverway Trails" from River Action, Inc. (319-332-2969) for background on the many features and services along the Great River Trail.

For more detailed information and access to a printed map see Section 9, Section 10 & Section 11.

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