The Confluence Trail is a 21-mile trail that connects Alton to Granite City and includes spectacular views of the Mississippi River. This combination asphalt and oil-and-chip trail begins at Russell Commons Park in Alton and extends south to 20th St. in Granite City, mainly along the Mississippi River levee. The Confluence also stops at popular destinations such as the Visitors Center at Lock and Dam 26 in Alton and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Hartford, and includes a 2-mile extension north to Eastgate Plaza in East Alton. In addition, the trail connects with New Poag Rd. in Hartford, which offers a 5-mile connection east to the Bluff Trail. Near Chain of Rocks Rd. and Illinois Highway 3 in Granite City, the Confluence Trail features a 3-mile extension west to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which connects Illinois and Missouri.

Parking is available in Alton at Russell Commons Park and the Visitors Center at Lock and Dam 26, in East Alton at Eastgate Plaza, in Hartford at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, and on both the Illinois and Missouri sides of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.