The best walks and hikes around South Roxana

Yes, the area has several great options for families. The Watershed Nature Center loop — Edwardsville is an excellent choice. It's a short, easy walk of about 1.2 miles (1.9 km) through a nature preserve with wetlands and woodlands, making it engaging for all ages.

Many of the trails in the region, especially the paved Madison County Transit (MCT) trails, are suitable for walking with a leashed dog. These paths offer plenty of space. However, it's always best to check the specific regulations for nature preserves before you go.

For a longer, more challenging outing, consider the Edwardsville loop from Edwardsville. This moderate route is over 5 miles (8.6 km) and involves a bit more elevation change than the flatter rail-trails, offering a good workout.

While the immediate vicinity of South Roxana is mostly wetlands and flat terrain, you can find waterfalls with a bit of a drive. For a day trip, Ferne Clyffe State Park is a popular destination known for its beautiful waterfall trail, which is especially impressive after rainfall.

The region is well-known for the Madison County Transit (MCT) trail system, which features an extensive network of paved trails built on former railroad corridors. These are ideal for hiking, walking, and running. You can also find unpaved, more rustic trails in nature preserves like Bohm Woods.

For views of the Mississippi River, the Riverfront Park via MCT Confluence Trail — Alton is a great option. This easy, flat trail follows the river, providing a scenic and straightforward walk.

The Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville is an excellent location for birdwatching. The preserve's 40 acres of wetlands, forests, and grasslands attract over 140 recorded bird species. The raised marsh walk and observation areas provide great vantage points.

Hiking is possible year-round. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Autumn is particularly beautiful when the leaves change color, especially in forested areas like Bohm Woods Nature Preserve. Summer can be hot and humid, so plan for early morning hikes and bring plenty of water.

For a truly unique walk, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge loop allows you to hike across the Mississippi River on a historic bridge. It's an easy, memorable outing with great views.

The MCT Nature Trail — Pontoon Beach is a good choice for a longer hike. This paved route stretches for about 8 miles (13 km) and takes you through a mix of suburban and natural scenery.

The trails around South Roxana are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paved paths of the MCT system and the peaceful, natural setting of the local nature preserves.

Yes, Bohm Woods Nature Preserve in Edwardsville is one of the few remaining old-growth forests in the Metro East area. It features a loop trail of about 2 miles where you can experience a rare and undisturbed forest ecosystem with varied terrain and stream crossings.