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Sylvan Island Gateway Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 148 Google reviews · Running trail in Moline, Illinois · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Sylvan Island Gateway Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park featuring paved walking and biking paths, a bridge leading to hiking trails, and fishing.
What runners say about Sylvan Island Gateway Park
“Well marked paths and interesting history.”
“Towering trees provide a refreshing canopy, and the scenic views of the surrounding water add a serene backdrop that feels almost otherworldly.”
Interesting trail system with history. Very close to an ugly industrial park, but a great attempt to reclaim it for enjoyment.
A pretty nice park area. It has relatively new paved paths for walking or biking. The bridge provides access to a hiking area. The parking lot is a bit small but not too crowded. Lots of people come to fish, bike, walk, run, etc. It seemed like it was a pretty clean area too.
Mountain biking is excellent, despite the lack of elevation. Very flowy with some moderately technical sections sprinkled in. These trails are always open, but they will get slick and saturated with water after snow melt, thaw, or heavy rain.
Sylvan Island is my favorite park located inside city limits. There is so much to do on this small island. From casual walks observing the birds and plant life to riding twisty-technical mountain bike singletrack. It really is hard to get bored at Sylvan.
Trail conditions & character
“Small amount of parking spaces but was able to find a spot!”
“From casual walks observing the birds and plant life to riding twisty-technical mountain bike singletrack.”
“Towering trees provide a refreshing canopy, and the scenic views of the surrounding water add a serene backdrop that feels almost otherworldly.”
“It has relatively new paved paths for walking or biking.”
Plan your run at Sylvan Island Gateway Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitemoline.il.us
- Phone(309) 524-2424
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Moline
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sylvan Island
4.6 ★★★★★ 477 reviews
Former industrial site by the water, offering crushed limestone hiking trails & dirt bike paths.
Stephens Park
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Leach Park
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Lindsay Park
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River Heritage Park
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Browning Park
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Clean park featuring playground equipment, a track and a stadium.