Best mountain biking in southern Illinois?

[Shawn Gossman]

If you had to choose - vote and reply with why you chose what you chose!

 

[Rom]

I'm fairly new to MTB, but definitely love getting out to Touch of Nature throughout the week, but it's hard to beat the Shawnee for great riding.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Touch trails are amazing.

But I've taken a pretty liking to GlenDixon. I'm close to them and it feels almost like exploring the backcountry out there in the middle of it all.

 

[prb]

Dixon Springs if it's raining, TON otherwise.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Dixon Springs if it's raining, TON otherwise.

I've always avoided trails when wet as far as mountain biking goes. However, I've heard that Dixon/Glendale can take the abuse of a bike on wet trails.

 

[prb]

Hey Shawn! Dixons trails drain very quickly, and the wet muddy spots are there with or without recent rains, due to the bedrock just under the topsoil (pooling water). I've ridden there following 3 solid days of rain and the trails were great, just had deeper creek crossings.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Hey Shawn! Dixons trails drain very quickly, and the wet muddy spots are there with or without recent rains, due to the bedrock just under the topsoil (pooling water). I've ridden there following 3 solid days of rain and the trails were great, just had deeper creek crossings.

I'll have to ride it one day after the rain to see what it's like. I know Touch is way more fragile.

 

[ngallagher77]

Rode Kinkaid and Gossage area in May. Need to get back down there and hit some of the other spots mentioned this year....

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Rode Kinkaid and Gossage area in May. Need to get back down there and hit some of the other spots mentioned this year....

I rode Kinkaid back in 2012.

I need to get back out there.

I've lost weight and got better at cycling since then haha

 

[ngallagher77]

Pyramid State Recreation Area near Pickneyville has about 16 miles of bike-able trails.

Generally flat/rolling but has a few steeper loose punchy climbs/descents and works it's way around some lakes and algae-covered ponds. Not heavily-travelled so wildlife viewing good and nice flora around...

Trails are shared with horses so a little chewed up but a not a bad ride if in the area.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Pyramid State Recreation Area near Pickneyville has about 16 miles of bike-able trails.

Generally flat/rolling but has a few steeper loose punchy climbs/descents and works it's way around some lakes and algae-covered ponds. Not heavily-travelled so wildlife viewing good and nice flora around...

Trails are shared with horses so a little chewed up but a not a bad ride if in the area.

I've wondered about those trails. It's always been on my list to go hike or bike one of these days.