By Wade Ellett, Let’s Move Quad Cities Outdoors Blogger

Fall is upon us, friends. Every day the sun sets a little earlier, the temperature drops a little lower (most days!), and soon the leaves will start to turn golden.

It’s time for new adventures! The Great River Trail is full of them.

Running 60 miles in Illinois along the Mississippi River, the GRT offers cool attractions from Rock Island to Savanna.

The Albany stop offers some great history and opportunity to explore on foot or bike.

Albany Indian Mounds State Historic Site:

Native Americans of the Hopewell culture dwelled here as early as 500 BC. We don’t know what language they spoke, or what they called themselves, but the presence of burial mounds suggests an organized society with complex ritual practices.

Between 200 BC and AD 300, more than 96 burial mounds were constructed here, and about 50 of them survive today.

Albany Indian Mounds State Historic Site features 205 acres of hills, valleys, and surrounding prairie perfect for walking, biking, or just enjoying nature.

The Great River Trail passes through the historic site, but you can get closer to the burial mounds by hiking the trails that break off from the GRT.

Even if you stay on the main path, you’ll be treated to some amazing natural beauty; it’s definitely worth a visit!

Meet Wade Ellett, Let’s Move Quad Cities Outdoor Blogger. Wade is an outdoor adventurer who shares his passion for QC outdoor adventures here! Read his other posts by clicking here.