The Hoover Trail is a planned rail-trail built on an abandoned Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad right-of-way. The trail will pass through a variety of landscapes, including woodlands, farmland, prairie and urban areas.
The trail is named for President Herbert Hoover, who was born in West Branch—one of the many towns the abandoned corridor passes through. The trail currently includes 6 open sections.
Hoover Nature Trail - Missing Link from Linn Co line to Solon - FAQ
- What is the schedule for completion of the trail?
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There are a lot of complicating factors, including obtaining the necessary construction funds, which impact the schedule. The most conservative estimate is full construction within 4 years due to coordination with several Ely Rd. improvement projects.
- Why isn’t the railroad embankment used for the whole length of the trail?
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Property negotiations and current land use along segments of the railroad embankment created a need for an alternative route.
- Will the trail be directly adjacent to Ely Road?
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The trail will be separated from Ely Road, but within the Right-of-Way in several locations. Final design details have not been determined.
- How will the trail continue through Solon?
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Solon officials are currently considering available options.
- When will the trail be connected further south to West Branch?
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The Conservation Board is currently exploring potential routes between Solon and West Branch. Land owners along potential routes will be contacted to discuss option and opportunities along proposed routes. A time frame for design and construction of this segment of the trail has not been identified at this time.
- Will the existing snowmobile trail corridors be accessible after this project is constructed?
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Yes, these snowmobile trail corridors will be retained as much as possible. There are portions of the Hoover Nature Trail’s hard surface that will not appeal to snowmobilers without adequate snow cover to operate safely. The trail will not have winter maintenance and snow cover will be left on the trail for cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, snow shoe hikers and other winter sports enthusiasts.
- What amenities will be included in the project?
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Various trail amenities are being considered, including mileage markers, way finding signs, point-of-interest maps, and others. However, specific details are not available at this time.
- Will the new trail replace the current Lake Macbride Trail?
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No. There is strong public interest in maintaining both the crushed limestone Lake Macbride Trail and an adjacent hard surface trail. Some trail users prefer the softer surface provided by the crushed limestone, but the hard surface trail can provide a durable surface even in high-water conditions. As such, the new hard surface trail will be constructed next to the current crushed limestone trail for a length of approximately 0.35 miles. At the point the two trails diverge, the crushed limestone Lake Macbride Trail will continue to Lake Macbride State Park and the hard surface Hoover Trail will continue north toward Seven Sisters Road and Ely.