Trails

Our Trails

Stroll, walk, jog, run, pedal, roll, or skate your way to healthy exercise on any of the area’s many recreation paths. Maps of the paths in Sterling are available at Duis Recreation and Westwood Fitness & Sports Center or download the Path and Trail Map of Sterling, Illinois. Download PDF

Major Paths

Martin’s Landing & Sinnissippi Dam Walkway
10th Avenue & 2nd Street
Martin’s Landing welcomes visitors to the north side of the Rock River into Sterling with a path leading to the Dillon Home Museum. The Sinnissippi Dam Walkway is an approximately .25 mile long pedestrian bridge that links the communities of Sterling and Rock Falls over the Rock River. It also provides the link between the ever expanding trail system in Sterling and the Hennepin Feeder Canal in Rock Falls. The Feeder Canal ties into the main Hennepin Canal and becomes part of the Grand Illinois Trail.

Sinnissippi & Hoover Parks to the Dillon Home Museum
3807 Woodlawn Road
This 2.25 mile section of trail can be accessed at the Hoover Park, Sinnissippi Park, Redfield Park and Martin’s Landing.

Lynn Boulevard/Westwood Trail
Lynn Boulevard/S Road from YMCA Way
The trail parallels Lynn Boulevard on the south side of the road from YMCA Way on the east end to LeFevre Road on the west end. This section is 1.7 miles in length. The trail then crosses Lynn Boulevard at LeFevre Road and heads onto the Westwood trail system for another approximately 2 miles.

Thomas Park Trail
This 0.7 mile trail, starts at the corner of 6th Avenue and Lynn Boulevard and continues east through Thomas Park and ends at the corner of East 25th Street and 16th Avenue, which is adjacent to Franklin School.

Hoover Park to Sauk Valley College
This 4.3 mile section of the trail, which begins at the Hoover Park Parking Lot and will eventually end at Sauk Valley College, will be constructed in stages over the next several years. Section 1, which is located behind Woodlawn Arts Academy, and Section 2, which included the widening of Woodlawn Road, were completed in 2021.  Section 3, between Woodlawn and River Roads was completed in the spring of 2023.  Section 4 from River Road to 43rd Ave, was completed in the fall of 2024.  The remaining sections will be completed as funding permits.

 

Trail Etiquette

  1. Paved trails are for cyclists (including E-bikes with operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts and with a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour), skaters, runners & walkers.
  2. Helmets are encouraged for cyclists and skaters.
  3. Keep pets on a short leash and under control at all times.
  4. Clean up after your pets.
  5. Children should be monitored by parents at all times.
  6. Trail users should keep to the right side of the trail, except when passing.
  7. Give an audible waning when preparing to pass. Always pass on the left side leaving at least 2 feet of clearance.
  8. Pedestrians have the right-of-way on trails. Groups should move into a single-file line to allow for cyclists to pass.
  9. Move off the trail pavement when stopping.
  10. Travel at safe and appropriate speeds when cycling and skating.
  11. Pay attention to trail markings and safety signs.