Rock Island Trail – Big Creek loop from Pleasant Hill

01:25

28.3km

40m

Gravel riding

Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

8 m

Pleasant Hill Trailhead of the Rock Island Spur

Highlight • Trail

The Rock Island Spur is a 47.5-mile trail from Pleasant Hill to Windsor, Missouri, where it joins the Katy Trail. The surface is compacted gravel.

It runs along an abandoned railroad bed that was originally part of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad, one of the country's largest railroads at its peak. The Rock Island RR line served a wide area of the Midwest, including Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana.

The Rock Island RR line was known for a popular song, "The Rock Island Line." The song was written in the 1930s and tells the story of a train ride on the Rock Island RR line. The folk singer Leadbelly popularized the song, and has been recorded by many other artists.

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1.45 km

Rock Island Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Rock Island Trail is a 27-mile trail that runs through Jackson County. It was constructed on the old Rock Island railroad right-of-way. The trail intersects with the Katy Trail, so it gives you the option to extend your time of wonderful off-road trails.

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14.2 km

Big Creek

Highlight • River

Big Creek is a picturesque stream that crosses the Rock Island Trail under a well built foot bridge. The shaded bench invites you to rest and enjoy the sound of running water and wind through the trees.

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