Machens to Alton Amtrak

This road cycling route goes from the Machens trailhead of the Katy Trail to the Amtrak station in Alton, Illinois. If you are looking for the reverse route, it is here: Alton Amtrak to Machens.

There are other Katy-Amtrak options in the St. Louis area, most of which are longer.

Courses/Routes for GPS Bicycle Computers

Ride with GPS: Machens to Alton Amtrak
Garmin: Machens to Alton Amtrak
Strava: Machens to Alton Amtrak

16.86 miles, 296 feet ascent

Watch the Whole Ride

I recorded video of this whole route.

Good Old-Fashioned Directions

  1. From the Machens trailhead, follow the trail northeast to the very end, where a gravel road crosses. Turn left, which follows the railroad tracks for about 200 feet, then turn right to cross the tracks. Take Machens Road north, about 2100 feet, until you reach the highway (MO-94).
  2. Turn right (east) onto Hwy 94. Follow the highway until it reaches US-67, about 8.4 miles. Ride across to the north-bound lanes. (There are a couple of gas stations here, where you can buy water or snacks.)
  3. Turn left (north) on US-67. You'll be on this highway for about 3.4 miles, which includes the ride across the Clark Bridge and the Mississippi River.
  4. Turn right (east) on to Landmarks Blvd. (IL-143). This route loops around to the right, which adds about a mile to the total route, but in my estimation, making a left turn at this intersection is too daunting for most casual riders.
  5. In 2300 feet, turn right onto Discovery Parkway.
  6. Discovery Parkway becomes Ridge Street as it loops around to the north. Ride straight across US-67 at the traffic light, and the 3% climb starts soon after.
  7. Turn left (west) at 6th Street.
  8. Turn right (north) at Liberty Street. Keep climbing Liberty Street for 0.7 miles.
  9. Right right (east) at Grove Street.
  10. In two blocks, turn left (north) at Central Avenue. Ride around to the far side of the traffic circle. The road will eventually become Tonsor Road and make a couple of turns toward the right.
  11. Turn left (north) on Toledo Avenue.
  12. Turn right (east) on Oakwood Avenue.
  13. Turn left (north) on Buckmaster Lane. Ride straight across IL-3 at the traffic light.
  14. Just after the traffic light, turn right (east) onto Baron Commerce Parkway.
  15. Turn left (north) on Golf Road.
  16. Turn right (east) to continue on Golf Road. Follow all the way to the end, and then turn left into the station.