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OUTDOORS!
I mmerse yourself in green spaces and trails. Biking, hiking, walking, water trails, and camping are favorite past times for visitors and Quad Citizens. More than 100 miles of trails including the Great River Trail, American Discovery Trail, and many more welcome you to the QC. Great views and beautiful trails can be found all along our riverfront, and you can start your path of discovery by visiting at QCTrails.org. Also, in partnership with the parks, QC Friends of Off-Road Cycling (FORC) have built 11 trail systems with over 48-miles of single-track with features like bridges, curved wooden berms, and other technical features. Find out more at QCForc.org or QCTrails.org. Our State Parks and Forest Preserves provide an escape from the daily hustle and bustle of life. Illiniwek Forest Preserve with 174 acres, features towering river bluffs that not only offer one of the most beautiful views of the Mississippi, but camping, hiking, fishing and boat ramp access to the river. Considered one of the most pristine parks in a city setting, Black Hawk Historic Site holds a unique history going back to the Sauk Native American tribe. Named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois, hiking trails, picnic areas, the Black Hawk Lodge and John Hauberg Museum add to the experiences available at this historic site. Located on the Rock River, six miles of marked hiking trails - with a rating of “moderate difficulty” - wind through the site.
Hiking trails are also used for cross-country skiing. Picnic areas, water and stoves, and shelters with fireplaces are available. Dorrance Forest Preserve offers 80 acres of moderate to steep terrain and is covered by large hardwood trees typical of the Mississippi River valley. Hiking and mountain biking trails are continually being developed throughout the park. Loud Thunder Forest Preserve’s main attraction is Lake George, a 167-acre man-made lake with depths up to 55 feet and stocked with many varieties of fish. Seasonal boat rentals are also available. This 1,480-acre reserve shares its trail system with mountain bikers, horseback riders, and hikers. Part of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, Loud Thunder offers campgrounds and picnic shelters too. Scott County Park’s 1,000+ acres of multi-use trails, horseback riding, a swimming pool, cabins, and camping areas are great for those looking for outdoor experiences. Boating, kayaking and canoeing on the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, along with Lost Grove Lake, Lake George, and West Lake provide fun opportunities to paddle and explore. You can also cast your line, fishing is popular here too. Wetland environments provide insight into our ecosystem. Nahant Marsh, nestled in southwest Davenport, is part of a 513-acre wetland complex that is bordered by the Mississippi River. A nature center, hiking trails, wildlife
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