Mountain Bike Trails | Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center | SIU

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

View our Mountain Bike Trail Map and Conceptual Plan.

Trail Specs - 9.44 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 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.

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.

• The Catalyst Race Series 2024 will feature the Spooky Catalyst right here at Touch of Nature, on on October 19. More information about registration coming soon!

Volunteer Build days take place at the Touch of Nature Trails. Spring dates for the volunteer trail building are: 2/3, 2/17, 3/2, 3/30, 4/13, 4/27, 5/4, and 5/18. 

Volunteer trail builds begin at the trailhead and run 8:30-11:30 AM. We provide the tools, gloves, and eye and head protection. Please bring a water bottle, wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. 

Want to help volunteer to help build and maintain our trails? Get on our mailing list.  We'll keep you up to date on mountain bike and hiking trails stewardship sessions and other events. 

Become a trails volunteer here

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.