Mountain Bike Trails | Touch of Nature Environmental Center | SIU

Our bike trails include 10 miles of beginner (green) and more difficult (blue) traditional and mountain bike optimized trails. They are an interconnected system of trails, providing access from a new trailhead at the main entrance outwards.

• 2.75 miles of green trail includes lake views and gently rolling Shawnee Forest
• 3.2 miles of blue trail provide a great introduction to the Catalyst
• 3.3 miles of blue/black trail that takes riders into beautiful Indian Creek area

View our Mountain Bike Trail Map (Link coming soon) and Conceptual Plan.

Trail Specs - 9.14 miles

Trail Safety

Bicycles should be in good working order.
Terrain can change due to weather, use and maintenance - do not ride or jump blindly.

Look before you leap.
Terrain can change due to weather, use and maintenance - do not ride or jump blindly.

Ride safely within your ability.
Some routes require advanced mountain bike and freestyle skills.

Ride progressively.
Start small and develop your skills before moving to advanced features.

Protective great is highly recommended.
In addition to helmets - gloves, shin, knee, and elbow pads and body armor.

Slippery when wet.
Wood features and rocks are slippery when wet. Use extreme caution.

Pedestrians and Spectators

• Hike/jog at your own risk.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not block or obstruct the trails and features.
• Do not sit or stand in blind areas.
• Children require adult supervision at all times.

Trail Rules

• Day or annual passes required.
• Motor vehicles prohibited on trail (ebikes are permitted).
• Keep the park clean. Throw all litter in trash/recycling receptacles.
• Respect the native vegetation and wildlife.
• Improper conduct may result in a citation, suspension or expulsion from the trails.
• Special events or programming require advanced permit from Touch of Nature Environmental Center.
• Guns, alcohol, tobacco, vapes, pets, camping, fireworks, and aerosols prohibited.
• Ride dirt trails, not muddy trails.
• Check out our muddy meter to see if today is a good day to ride.

Ride at your own risk.
Ride smart. Ride safe.Call 911 and state the trail name for emergencies.

Bicycle helmets required.
Please wear a properly fitted biking rated helmet. A snug, full face helmet is encouraged when jumping.

Respect others.

• Adjust speed when park is busy.
• Clear landing areas quickly.
• Maintain a safe distance between the biker in front of you.
• Move to the side of the trail if needed.
• Riders yield to pedestrians and uphill traffic.
• Ride jump lines in one direction, one at a time.
• Stay in control. Be aware of surroundings and others.

Respect the park.

• Do not use dirt trails and features when they are wet or muddy.
• Do not modify trails or features.
• Obey bike trails and feature closures.
• Stay on designated bike trails.

Spring 2021 TON Trail Stewardship Days are available from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the dates below. Please bring a water bottle, lunch and a snack, closed-toed shoes and long pants. Due to Covid-19 mitigation protocols, please wear a mask. 

• Saturday, Feb. 27
• Saturday, March 13
• Saturday, April 3

Sign up here. 

Support our Mountain Bike Trails Project

Donations for Parking Passes support annual trail system maintenance and future development planning, projects, and construction.