Park your car at Piasa Park in Alton to see a fantastical Native American dragon mural and begin your biking adventure on the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail! This 20-mile paved trail runs along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton.

Towering limestone bluffs, ever-changing deciduous trees, and sweeping views of the Mississippi River make Sam Vadalabene Trail one of the most scenic pathways in the area, and possibly one of the most beautiful bike trails in America. See real paddlewheel riverboats, gigantic barges towing tons of goods, and take one of the three nearby ferries to access Calhoun County, famous for its peaches and apples, or St. Charles across the river. Eat at Wittmond's in Brussels for a better-than-home-cooked family-style meal or at The Loading Dock in Grafton, one of the closest riverside restaurants on the entire river!

The historic village of Elsah, Clifton Terrace and the town of Grafton are popular rest areas along the trail. Stop by La Vista Park in Godfrey for a nature-friendly walk through the woods complete with small waterfalls and a community garden or go hiking on some higher terrain at Pere Marquette State Park just past Grafton.

Go to the Alton Visitor's Center to pick up a complete map of Madison County and Southwestern Illinois Bike Trails.