Trail Highlights

Miles 0-1.5

The trail crosses underneath the Canadian National Railroad through an underpass.  There is a wetland to the east of the trail just south of the railroad underpass.

Further down the trail crosses Davis Creek before becoming a shared vehicle and pedestrian trail for one mile.  Though lightly traveled by cars, please watch for passing vehicles and yield to the right to allow the vehicles to safely pass.

Riplinger Bend through the trees

Miles 1.5-2.0

The original stone foundation of the old Riplinger house is found just off the west side of the trail.  Immediately south of the homesite foundation, there is a bend in the Galena River that's named after Riplinger.  You can find picnic tables just before the 2.0 mile marker.

Limestone cliffs near the end of the trail

Miles 2.0-3.5

Limestone cliffs are found along the south half of the trail and just before the end of the trail.  In spring, several species of wildflowers grow along the cliff areas.

Near the 3.0 mile marker are two steep old railroad cuts where you can see several colonies of scouring rush, a prehistoric grass-like fern that was planted for erosion control when the railroad cuts were installed.

End of the line - the trail ends at Galena Junction

Mile 3.5

The trail ends at the Burlington Northern Railroad lines and the location of the old Galena Junction.  The backwaters of the Mississippi River US Fish & Wildlife Refuge begin immediately south of the railroad lines.