Trails and Races

/https://siu.edu/search-results.php

Last Updated: May 16, 2025, 02:32 PM

trails-and-races-header.png

Explore the Trails and Races at Touch of Nature

Discover adventure at Touch of Nature, where scenic trails and exciting races bring together fitness, family, and the great outdoors. Whether you're pushing your limits or enjoying a casual hike, our trails were built to promote community wellness, inspire family exploration, and foster responsible outdoor recreation.

Trails are open from dawn to dusk and may close during wet or muddy conditions to protect the landscape. To stay up to date on trails openings and closings, check out our TON Trails Facebook page.

About Our Trails

The TON Trails system offers over 12 miles of multi-use trails for bikers, hikers, and runners only. The Alan and Pat Rausenberger Kid’s Terrain Park will include a pump track, a push bike track, and .25 mile fun loop to introduce kids to riding on trails. The trail system offers a variety of difficulty levels for users and can be accessed just off of Giant City Road after entering Touch of Nature.

Trail System and Specs

Our bike trails include 12 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 forest
  • 3.4 miles of blue trail provide a great introduction to the Catalyst
  • 3.3 miles of blue/black trail that takes riders into the beautiful Indian Creek area

Mountain Bike Trail Map   Conceptual Plan

Trail Specs - 9.44 miles

Green Trails (easy) - 2.72 mi total

  • A Connector - .39 mi
  • B Connector - .35 mi
  • C Connector - .23 mi
  • Green Bean - .44 mi
  • String Bean - .66 mi
  • Beaver Fever - .65 mi

 

Blue Trails (more difficult) - 3.44 mi total
  • Volunteer Track - 2.06 mi
  • Sweet Baby Ray - .47 mi
  • Mulligan - .21 mi
  • Yellow Jacket - .40 mi
  • Lorena - .30 mi

 Blue/Black Trail (very difficult) - 3.28 mi total

  • Catalyst - 3.28 mi

 

A young girl about 6 years old and wearing a blue helmet rides her purple bike over a wooden bridge.

The Alan & Pat Rausenberger Kids Terrain Park located at SIU’s Rushing Field includes a kids pump track, a kids strider track, and a quarter mile easy skills loop.

Trail Safety & Rules

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 gear 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

  • Helmets are 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 Outdoor Education 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.

Trail Etiquette

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.

Events

Rocky Ledges Trail Fun Run

Join us for the annual Rocky Ledges 5K/10K during SIU’s Family Weekend! Open to all, this scenic trail race winds through Touch of Nature’s beautiful forest trails and is perfect for runners and walkers of all levels.

Donate Now

Support our Mountain Bike Trails Project

Become a Friend of Touch of Nature to help support annual trail system maintenance and future development planning, projects, and construction.

Volunteer

Help us build our trails!

Volunteers are needed to assist in building the mountain bike trails. Community service and Saluki Volunteer Corps and Environmental Ambassador Award hours are available for volunteers, and community is always welcome.

Sign up to volunteer