1.
Sylvan Slough – Government Bridge loop from Moline
11.6km
00:45
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best traffic-free bike rides around Moline
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 28, 2026
If you've ever tried planning touring cycling around Moline, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many riverfront paths and interconnected trails, it's tough to figure out which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want the highlights, not the guesswork.
That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes here, so this guide is your curated shortlist of the best touring bike routes in Moline. We've sifted through the data to bring you what's actually worth your legs. Expect mostly flat to gently rolling terrain along the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, with extensive paved and crushed limestone paths. Moline's character is defined by its river corridors, offering easy to moderate rides that connect scenic spots like Sylvan Island and the Greenvalley Nature Preserve.
If you only do one, we'd start with the Sylvan Slough – Government Bridge loop from Moline. At 7.0 miles (11.3 km), it's an easy ride that offers fantastic river views and circles Sylvan Island – a perfect introduction to the area. For a slightly longer adventure with expansive river vistas, the Sylvan Slough – Schwiebert Riverfront Park loop from Moline is another top favorite, covering 12.2 miles (19.6 km) of easy, scenic path. Dive in and start exploring Moline's best no traffic touring cycling routes with komoot.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sylvan Slough – Government Bridge loop from Moline | 11.6 km | 20 m | Easy |
| Schwiebert Riverfront Park – Sylvan Slough loop from Moline | 32.7 km | 40 m | Moderate |
| Sylvan Slough – Schwiebert Riverfront Park loop from Moline | 19.6 km | 90 m | Easy |
| View of Sylvan Island – Sylvan Island Ruins loop from Moline | 11.5 km | 60 m | Easy |
| Mississippi River View – Safe Harbor loop from East Moline | 14.4 km | 20 m | Easy |
2.
Schwiebert Riverfront Park – Sylvan Slough loop from Moline
32.7km
02:00
40m
40m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
3.
Sylvan Slough – Schwiebert Riverfront Park loop from Moline
19.6km
01:11
90m
90m
The Sylvan Slough – Schwiebert Riverfront Park loop from Moline offers a delightful and accessible touring cycling experience, blending urban riverfront scenery with natural backwater tranquility. You'll cruise along the Mississippi River, taking in views of bridges and Arsenal Island, before exploring the unique Sylvan Island with its historical ruins and secondary forest. The route is predominantly flat, making it an easy 12.2-mile (19.6 km) ride with only 301 feet (92 metres) of elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed outing.
Planning your ride is straightforward, as the trail is well-maintained and suitable for most touring bicycles. The entire loop can be completed in about 1 hour and 11 minutes, making it an ideal option for a morning or afternoon spin. Public restrooms are conveniently located at Sylvan Gateway Park, near Sylvan Island, and Schwiebert Riverfront Park provides additional facilities and a vibrant atmosphere. The trail's surfaces, including crushed limestone on Sylvan Island, dry quickly after rain, often making it a go-to choice in the Quad Cities.
This loop is a fantastic way to experience the Quad Cities' connection to the Mississippi River, integrating seamlessly with the larger Great River Trail network. You'll encounter diverse landscapes, from the landscaped grounds of Schwiebert Riverfront Park to the natural beauty of Sylvan Slough, a backwater teeming with waterfowl. The historical significance of Sylvan Island, a former industrial site now reclaimed by nature, adds a unique layer to this easy cycling path, offering both scenic overlooks and a glimpse into the region's past.
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4.
View of Sylvan Island – Sylvan Island Ruins loop from Moline
11.5km
00:52
60m
60m
Explore the unique Sylvan Island – Sylvan Island Ruins loop, an easy touring cycling route that blends natural river views with fascinating industrial history. You'll pedal through dense forests and open meadows, encountering remnants of the former Republic Steel plant, like concrete loading docks and old railroad tracks, all being reclaimed by nature. The terrain varies from smooth crushed limestone paths to more rugged sections with concrete rubble, offering a diverse and engaging ride.
This 7.1-mile (11.5 km) loop, with a gentle 183 feet (56 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 51 minutes. While the overall difficulty is easy, some sections of the Sylvan Island cycling terrain are more technical, so be mindful if you're on a touring bike with narrow tires. The island's rocky soil allows it to dry quickly after rain, making it a reliable option for cycling in the Quad Cities.
What makes this Moline touring cycling route truly stand out is its distinctive urban ruins aesthetic, offering a glimpse into the island's past as a steel mill site. It's an urban trail system near downtown Moline, providing a quick escape into a unique environment. The network of trails allows for plenty of exploration, and the blend of history and nature creates a memorable experience.
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5.
Mississippi River View – Safe Harbor loop from East Moline
14.4km
00:50
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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Tips from the Community
Jamie S.
August 31, 2024, Government Bridge
The Government Bridge, also known as the Arsenal Bridge, spans the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. Built in 1896, the bridge has two levels: the upper deck serves the Iowa Interstate Railroad, while the lower deck carries vehicle traffic and has lanes on each side for pedestrians and cyclists. It features a swing section to allow river navigation. The current bridge is the fourth at this location; the first, built in 1856, was the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi. Subsequent bridges were built after damage from collisions, ice storms, and tornadoes.
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Alex
February 27, 2024, Schwiebert Riverfront Park
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.
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Alex
February 27, 2024, Quad City Botanical Center
The Quad City Botanical Center spans about 4 acres. There is a diverse collection of plant species and themed gardens here, and it's great for all ages to visit. The gardens are open Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with shorter hours on Sunday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
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Alex
February 27, 2024, Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House
The Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The property was originally owned by descendants of John Deere but is now managed by the William Butterworth Foundation. These historic homes host educational and cultural events year-round and provide meeting spaces for nonprofit organizations. Tours are offered to visitors, but they can also be admired from the outside as you ride by on your bike.
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Lisa
February 26, 2024, Lake Potter & Sunset Park
This 50-acre lake is part of wooded Sunset Park, right on the edge of the Mississippi River. The park also offers restrooms, picnic and playground equipment, and a ball diamond.
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Grace Mulligan
February 16, 2024, Sylvan Slough
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.
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Jamie S.
February 16, 2024, View of Sylvan Island
From this spot along the Great River Trail you get great views of Sylvan Island. You can cross a bridge to the island, but there are really only hiking and single track mountain bike trails that are unsuitable for road cycling.
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David Howells
February 14, 2024, Mississippi River Trail (MRT) — Illinois
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available in Moline?
There are over 30 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Moline. These routes are designed to offer a safe and enjoyable experience away from vehicular traffic, primarily utilizing the region's extensive trail networks.
What is the overall difficulty level of these routes?
The majority of the no traffic touring cycling routes in Moline are considered easy, with 22 routes falling into this category. There are also 10 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge, but no routes are classified as difficult, making them accessible for a wide range of cyclists.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy about cycling in Moline?
The komoot community highly rates the no traffic touring cycling in Moline, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the scenic riverfront views, the well-maintained paved trails like the Great River Trail, and the peaceful atmosphere away from cars.
What interesting sights can I see along these traffic-free routes?
Many routes offer views of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers. You can cycle past the historic Government Bridge, enjoy the natural beauty of Sylvan Slough, or cross the modern I-74 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge for expansive river vistas. The Mississippi River Trail (MRT) – Illinois also offers numerous points of interest.
Are there family-friendly no traffic touring routes in Moline?
Yes, Moline is excellent for family-friendly cycling. Many routes, especially those along the riverfront like the Ben Butterworth Parkway, are paved and relatively flat, making them suitable for all ages. Routes such as the Sylvan Slough – Government Bridge loop from Moline are easy and offer engaging scenery.
Where can I park when accessing these car-free cycling routes?
Parking is generally available at various access points along the major trail networks. Parks like Riverside Park, Prospect Park, and areas near the Ben Butterworth Parkway often provide public parking. For routes starting further afield, such as the Kiwanis Trail – Smiths Park loop from SouthPark Mall, mall parking lots can be a convenient option.
What is the best time of year to cycle these routes in Moline?
Spring, summer, and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for cycling in Moline. Spring brings blooming flora, summer provides warm weather for river activities, and fall showcases beautiful foliage. While some trails are maintained year-round, winter cycling can be challenging due to snow and ice.
Are there any circular no traffic touring cycling routes available?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Schwiebert Riverfront Park – Sylvan Slough loop from Moline, which offers a longer ride, and the shorter View of Sylvan Island – Sylvan Island Ruins loop from Moline, perfect for exploring Sylvan Island.
Which routes offer the most scenic views?
Routes along the Mississippi River, such as those incorporating the Ben Butterworth Parkway or the Great River Trail, provide stunning riverfront vistas. The Government Bridge – Sylvan Slough loop from Moline is particularly scenic, offering views of both the river and the unique Sylvan Slough area.
Can I access these routes using public transport?
While traditional public transport options directly to trailheads might be limited, cyclists can utilize the seasonal Channel Cat Water Taxi. This service transports people and bicycles across the Mississippi River, connecting Moline to other parts of the Quad Cities and additional bike trails, effectively extending your touring options.
Are dogs allowed on these traffic-free cycling routes?
Generally, dogs are allowed on most public trails in Moline, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. Specific rules may vary by park or preserve, so it's always best to check local signage, especially in natural areas like Greenvalley Nature Preserve.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or amenities along the routes?
Given Moline's urban setting along the riverfront, many routes pass near areas with cafes, restaurants, and public facilities. The downtown Moline area, easily accessible from riverfront trails, offers numerous options for refreshments and amenities.
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