Gilbert Lake and Great River Road Hike

Hike along the Illinois River and Gilbert Lake, then through Pere Marquette State Park, passing by farms along the Great River Road.

This was all part of my hike combining the Gilbert Lake Trail and the Sam Vadalabene Great River Road Bike Trail.

The hike is 5.8 miles long, the Gilbert Lake Trail section is on an unpaved field road, and the Sam Vadalabene section is paved. Most of the 125 feet of elevation gain is on the Sam Vadalabene Great River section.

*A short gravel road leads to a gravel parking lot. The trail starts after the gate.*

At the Trailhead

I parked in the gravel lot off the south side of Illinois Highway 100 also known here as the Great River Road as it goes along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers north of Alton, Il.

Start of the Walk

The Gilbert Lake Trail is located in the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge.

I walked to the back of the lot down to a gravel road going around a gate. If you look to the right, you can see Gilbert Lake.

Next, the gravel road curves to the right along the Illinois River.

I walked down to the shoreline and looked to the left. The Brussels Ferry operates here allowing for traffic to cross the Illinois River into Calhoun County. Another section of the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge can be reached after crossing the ferry along the Illinois River Road.

Gilbert Lake Walk

Next, I head across the narrow strip of land that separates Gilbert Lake from the Illinois River. (Main Blog Photo)

An opening in the woods allows me to view a gathering of Canadian geese with a blue heron flying above them. I spot another blue heron in a nearby tree.

Then I look out across the lake once more seeing a distant hill.

Two flashes of red come into view in the branches above me, Cardinals are flying out and about.

The lake view fades away from the trail as it approaches the river. I watch between the trees as a long barge plows along the Illinois River.

Two eagles fly away from me up the trees along the river. This trail turns out to be a good place to spot birds.

*Leaving the refuge and entering Pere Marquette State Park.*

Then I come to another gate and I am at the other end of the refuge.

Heading through the park toward the highway. — *Heading through the park toward the highway*.

Pere Marquette State Park

The woods end I am in Pere Marquette State Park. I come to the end of the field road and go to the right along a park road towards the Illinois Highway 100. Parking lots here can also be used to reach this trail to do the walk in reverse.

*Cross the highway and the Trail is ahead and go to the right across this nearby trail bridge.*

I cross the highway and go to the Sam Vadalabene Great River Trail and go to the right. If you look to the left, you can see the Pere Marquette State Park Lodge.

*In the distance is Pere Marquette Lodge. I walked up from the trail to take this picture.*

To the right of the lodge are numerous trails that go up further into the state park. If you wanted a much longer hike you could explore these trails.

I continued to the right crossing over the bridge.

Sam Vadalabene Great River Road Bike Trail

Next, I pass by a white-painted church with a cemetery.

Then I come to a campground to the state park.

*Barns and grain bin across the highway*

A stone grain bin and barns can be seen on the right along the highway.

Along the trail is a two-story farmhouse with a wraparound porch.

Cows greet me in nearby pastureland as I walk on by.

Next, I cross a metal railing bridge.

Across the creek is a red-paneled barn with a stone cellar.

Then I see an old stone house with a balcony across the top.

Across the highway, you can learn more about the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge with information signs, although this area does not connect to the Gilbert Lake Trail.

A sign greets me along the way for the Pere Marquette Riding Stables where you can do a trail ride on a horse.

Back at the Trailhead

Then I come to where the trail has a railing to the right. Just before the railing, a short path leads back to the parking for the Gilbert Lake Trail across Illinois Highway 100.

Be careful of road traffic here since there is no official pedestrian crossing.

*View of the Illinois River at Pere Marquette State Park*

Final Thoughts

I am glad I decided to do the hike in a loop since it varied the walk. The river walk included more wildlife whereas the Sam Vadalabene Great River Trail followed the highway and went by farms and up into the river hills.

Although you are welcome to do the Gilbert Lake Trail as an out and back.

DETAILS

No restroom at the trailhead, you could walk to the lodge to use the facilities there.

Drive to Gilbert Lake: Take Interstate 270 to Illinois Highway 3 and go north. Then make a left onto Illinois Highway 143 and continue on it as it becomes U.S. Highway 67. Next, make a left onto the Great River Road (Illinois State Highway 100). After going through Grafton, Il., and passing the Grafton Ferry look for a short gravel road on the left that leads to the Gilbert Lake trail. If you come to Pere Marquette State Park you have gone too far. Yet you can still make a left into the park of the park along the river and look for parking on the far left side. The trail begins near the forest on the far left side of the river section of the park.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset. NOTE: The Gilbert Lake Division is closed each fall from Oct. 15-Dec. 31 to provide a sanctuary for migratory birds.

Address: 16201 IL-100, Grafton, IL 62037