The Peace Trail
The Peace Trail stretches south from the city of Janesville to the community of Afton in Rock Township. The trail is 6.6 miles long. The surface is paved for 4.7 miles, and the southern section is crushed limestone. It parallels the Rock River and an active rail line. The trail also includes a 1.25 mile spur trail through Rockport Park. Most of the path travels through scenic forests, with several trailheads along the way.
The northern 2.5 miles of the Peace Trail is also known as the Rock River Parkway Trail. There is no trailhead at the northern terminus on S. Jackson Street. Cyclists may park at nearby Jeffris Park and follow the Ice Age National Scenic Trail north across the Rock River, and go left (west) on Riverside Drive to the start of the trail. It is a half mile ride from Jeffris Park to the Peace Trail. The park’s address is 850 Beloit Avenue in Janesville.
The Peace Trail begins at the S. Jackson Street bridge, where the road crosses the Rock River. Soon after, the path travels through Monterey Park. The stadium there is used by the School District of Janesville. The Rock River flows nearby, often attracting waterfowl.
On the west side of a little lagoon, cyclists approach an interesting geological feature called “Big Rock.” It served as a landmark for early settlers, marking a shallow place in the river that could easily be crossed. Some people claim this rock is the namesake for the river and county. Today, a gravel trail leads to this unique promontory, with a historical marker on top. Look for a small cave on the river side of the rock.
The Peace Trail next travels under the Center Avenue bridge. Strategically placed mirrors help cyclists see oncoming trail-goers when passing under the bridge. The trail then travels by Anglers Park. It has a bicycle self-service station and picnic shelter. The parking lot is located at 814 S. Washington Street, and may serve as a suitable trailhead.
After journeying through a quaint covered bridge under a railroad trestle, the Peace Trail moves away from the Rock River to pass factories and railroad tracks. Two miles from the trail’s start is a trailhead with parking lot, picnic tables, and benches. It is located off County Road D. At the vehicle entrance to the parking lot, the trail crosses railroad tracks and begins its run through a forest between the river and the tracks.
After 2.5 miles, the Peace Trail divides. Cyclists may continue straight on the main trail or turn right (north) on a spur trail, which crosses County Road D and enters Rockport Park. The spur trail passes a parking lot (which may serve as a trailhead), and climbs up the high river bluff. The path winds through a forested area, ascending 60 feet over 350 yards.
At the summit, the trail passes alongside Peace Park playground. Peace Park is located within Rockport Park. It has a pavilion and stunning playground with a two-story feature inspired by Native American teepees. Peace Park was developed by community leaders, after the hilltop location was used for a racial hate rally in 1992. Today, the park is a designated as a place to promote peace and unity.
The Peace Trail then journeys by Rockport Pool. The large parking lot here makes an excellent trailhead; restrooms are found both in the pool pavilion and at Peace Park pavilion. The path continues up a small hill to Crosby Avenue. To the north, the trail ends at the next intersection. To the south, the trail runs a half mile alongside Crosby Avenue, across the Rock River, and ends in a neighborhood.
The main trail continues to follow the Rock River and railway line. Soon after the Rockport Park spur trail splits off, the path crosses Fisher Creek. After that, a connector trail leads across the railroad tracks to the Fisher Creek trailhead. Its address is 3100 W. Rockport Park Drive in Janesville. The trailhead has a parking lot, picnic table and bench. A large trail sign states, “Rock River Railway, 1880-1975.”
Continuing south, various hiking paths emerge from the forest and run between the Peace Trail and Rock River. At several places, paved trails diverge from the main route and lead to park benches and great vistas along the river’s edge.
One mile south of the Fisher Creek trailhead, the path crosses Markham Creek. A third of a mile later, it turns east and a spur trail from the S. Connector Trail joins the Peace Trail. Trail signs there indicate distances to various locations. The Peace Trail then turns back south, heading underneath the four lanes of Wisconsin State Highway 11.
A half mile south after crossing under the state highway, the Peace Trail arrives at the Tripp Road trailhead. This trailhead has a parking lot, information kiosk, and park benches. The parking lot is reached by car from County Road D and Tripp Road. Janesville’s water treatment facility is next to the trailhead.
South of Tripp Road trailhead, the surface turns from paved asphalt to crushed limestone. Nonetheless, the trail remains in very good condition. After one mile, it meets W. Cemetery Road, where a picnic table sits just off the trail next to the river. It’s another perfect place to relax and take in a view of the water. A half mile later, the path crosses River Road.
Much of this section of the trail runs through forest. Small animals and songbirds are commonly seen darting across the trail. Waterfowl are frequently spotted on the river. As the trail leaves Janesville and enters Rock Township, the landscape becomes more rural.
One quarter of a mile south from River Road, the trail ends at County Road D. Before arriving at the county road, the trail crosses railroad tracks at a diagonal angle. It is suggested that cyclists slow down and cross the tracks perpendicularly. This avoids bike tires from getting caught in grooves on the tracks.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
A bike lane on County Highway D connects the trail to the Rock Township Hall. It is only 350 yards south from where the trail meets the road. The town hall makes a good trailhead. It has a parking lot, and if the town hall is open, public restrooms are available.
Another separate section of the Peace Trail is currently open on the north side of Beloit. It spans two miles and enters Big Hill Park along the west bank of the Rock River. The 197-acre park is heavily wooded and has hiking trails, a nature center, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The bike trail heads north from the park and currently ends at S. Duggan Road. Future plans call for connecting the Peace Trail between Beloit, Afton, and Janesville.
Trail last ridden and documented in September, 2021.