New Rock County Trails and Parks enhance hiking and biking along the Rock River

Rock River Heritage Park

Just north of Janesville you’ll find the new 178-acre Rock River Heritage Park on the eastern banks of the Rock River. The parcel was originally created in 1946 to provide outdoor recreation, camping, and education for Boy Scouts in Southern Wisconsin. The property was purchased by Rock County in February of 2022 and many improvements have been made, with work continuing.
Trails meander throughout the park and most recently and 2.5 mile perimeter trail has been completed. Pets are allowed but they must be leashed at all times and you must clean up after them.   Rock River Heritage County Park Map

The Peace Trail – Janesville to Beloit

Stretching from Janesville to Beloit, the Peace Trail offers a 12-mile paved, tree-shaded route paralleling the Rock River and an active rail line. From 246-acre Rockport Park in Janesville, the Peace Trail follows the river south through Afton to the northern outskirts of Beloit, where it enters Big Hill Park 12 miles from its origin. Nestled along the west bank of the Rock River, the heavily wooded 197-acre Big Hill Park offers parking, a scenic overlook, hiking trails, restrooms, an environmental center, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Janesville Beloit Peace Trail 12 miles paved