Take a little time to check out these places of peace and beauty within driving distance of the QC.

By Wade Ellett, LMQC Outside Blogger

Cedar Valley Park

West Branch, IA

Hike, Fish, Snow Shoe or Ski

Some angler friends of mine suggested I head here to hike around the old quarries, where they like to fish.

A reader also suggested a visit here would be worth my time; she lives right down the road and enjoys snowshoeing here in the winter.

A combination of river bottom land and upland forest, the trail system here isn’t huge, but you can easily get in a few miles.

Once snow falls, you’ll be able to snowshoe, cross country ski, or just strap on some boots and take on the trail!

Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area

Muscatine, IA

Trails and Bridge Crossing

I was drawn to Saulsbury Bridge because of the park’s namesake bridge.

The old bridge across the Cedar River was closed to vehicle traffic in the sixties, and all but two spans were destroyed in a fire in the 70s, but the remaining 2 spans are open to foot traffic.

There are also some great trails from the camping area that lead into some great woodland trails.

Be advised, this area is open to public hunting, so be sure to wear bright colors (I recommend an inexpensive orange hunting vest).

Big River State Forest

Keithsburg, IL

Fire Towers, Horseback riding, and Great Forest Views

Big River State Forest is an interesting spot about an hour’s drive from Rock Island.

I love fire towers, and Big River is home to one, located at the headquarters area. Want to climb inside? You can, but you have to go when the office is open, otherwise the gate is locked.

What else can you do here? In a word, lots.

We hiked the Big Pines Trail, but you can also enjoy Lincoln’s Trail, and Wilderness Trail, as well as explore the 60-mile network of firebreaks interlacing the forest.

There are designated horseback riding trails, and 30 miles of marked snowmobile trails.

You’ll even find roughly 15 miles of scenic roadways, or “auto trails,” where you can slowly drive through the picturesque forest.

Of course, I tend to favor exploring on foot, but the scenic roads are a great compromise if you have holiday guests who can’t hike too far.

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Even though we tend to think of outdoor recreation as a primarily summer activity, now is great time to get outside. Nothing is better than a winter hike and some old-fashioned hot cocoa!

Happy hiking everybody!

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.

From my little family to yours, we wish you happy holidays celebrated with a healthy dose of the great outdoors!

Welcome to Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area!

It has awesome views!

One of the Saulsbury trails crosses Chicken Creek.

You can walk on the old remnants.

Here’s one of the spans stretching across the Cedar River.

Crossing a little bridge to get to the trailhead at Saulsbury.

Cedar Valley Park has beautiful, open trails.

Cedar Valley also has quarries.

Big River State Forest features a trail called “Big Pines.”

Big River also has auto trails.

Here’s the Big River Fire Tower.