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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 7 mi (11.3 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Out & Back
Elevation: +201/ -89 ft
Total: 54 riders
Mountain Biking East Lick Creek Trail
#21 of 128 mountain bike trails in Illinois
This was a fun out-and-back including many root systems to navigate while you catch scenic glimpses of Lake Springfield. There are configured jumps and even the rickety makings of a small BC section. East Lick Creek's initial trail runs about 1.2 miles and dumps onto an unused section of old Route 66. As you exit the first section, ride left over an old bridge to find another, longer section of trails. These provided more enjoyment with tougher ups and switchbacks as well as one hefty log pile and plenty of deadfall to keep the ride interesting. This back section eventually loops back after about another 2-3 miles and spills back out to the Route 66 bridge. Take the first section back to the trailhead and continue south on the paved bike lane for Polecat Creek Trail.
First added by brettzero on Oct 16, 2005. Last updated Sep 3, 2024. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: no
- Lift service: no
- Night riding: unknown
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: no
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: no
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Interstate 55 South of Springfield to Toronto Road. Turn West off Toronto Road exit. Toronto Road will become Woodside Rd. soon after 4-way stop. Stay on Woodside to RR crossing. Make immediate left (south) after RR Crossing onto Pedigo Lane (total distance from I-55 - 2.2 miles); parking available immediately on left in gravel lot. Head south on Pedigo Lane (a blacktop road) Road splits into paved bike lane.) Trailhead on left about 1 mile from parking. Park sign indicates first trailhead (East Lick Creek). Second trailhead further ahead about Ω mile down paved bike lane (Polecat Creek Trail)
Rode this in mid August 2024. Very challenging root systems, many of which sneak up on you when you turn a blind corner and suddenly...there you are! Lots of man-made jumps and tricks that are mostly optional. The trail could benefit from more TLC (trail maintenance) and doesn't seem to be used enough to develop truly smooth single track (when you're not navigating the many root systems). Because there was a lot of brush along the trail that you'll rub against, be wary of poison ivy....I made sure to wipe down my legs after I got back to the car.
| ThankOne of the most challenging trails in the area. Plenty of small drops and jumps along the trail.
| ThankThis is a great little hidden gem. The local mtb riders have turned this into one of the nicest little runs in Illinois.
| ThankPlenty of jumps, switchbacks and hard climbs and fast shoots. Run this with Polecat trail. Three part single track great ride.
Pretty good trail system. Fun ride with lots of roots and hills. Frequent jumps along the trails.
| ThankOver the past year and a half these trails have made massive improvements from new jumps to bridges going over muddyer areas and just recently a half mile worth of new trail was added. These trails never leave me dissapointed almost every week when I ride there has been new additions or improvemen added. My only complaint is that when it rains these trails get sloppy. I would avoid riding for a few days after a rain fall. We have a great mtb community.
| ThankKickapoo was closed due to rain and this was a fun alternative. Great little trail. Not elaborate, but passable and maintained. There were a few features such as a small jump over a creek. There was one low spot that was impassable due to mud due to recent rain, but it wasn't a big deal. I enjoyed the challenge of the roots. I just wish the trail was longer, but for Illinois, it suffices.
| Thank10x better than polecat right down the path. LOTS of fun for fat bikes with some snow, because they're is little foot traffic to mess the trails up. Not too many trees in the way, just ride around if you cannot go over them. Only down in Springfield on occasion, but will definitely stop back.
| ThankTrail is horribly overgrown with a lot of downed trees. Some run Round trails where trees are down but needs a lot of work.
| ThankThis network of three trails is pretty fun, with some decent obstacles. A friend of mine and I went through last week (Aug 1st 2014) with a machete and cleared a bunch of the (itchy) weeds and a couple of the fallen trees. We still have more work to do and will probably do some clearing the second week of August. If anyone wants to help, message me on Facebook.
| ThankHit this trail today, it is overgrown, however all fallen trees were out of the way. I enjoy this trail, it is challenging with all the roots. There is a ton of potential at this place if someone like Cilta were to start maintaining it.
| ThankTrail all cleared up. Featured to tons of root systems! Awesome ride
| ThankI rode this trail today. All the downed trees have been removed. Trail is pretty rough with all the tree roots but overall good run.
| ThankTrail between the painted road and paved bike trail is in real bad shape. Went out for a ride today 6/9/13 and trees uprooted and blocking path. Walked most of this section weaving through downed tree limbs lifting my bike over and under. Take a chainsaw if you go.
| ThankGreat trail with many hills and roots. Use the chatham bike trail to get to it. Its much easyer.
| ThankI had a difficult time finding the trail at first, since the path leading to it begins with an old road and a walking/road biking path. This trail is a great trail to ride if you need improvement going over roots! I would agree with the other post mentioning the other trail over the old bridge, it is fun as well. I had my first experience there riding over a grate "bridge" that I was hesitant to even try. This trail will likely get you muddy, if you have a problem with that, buy a road bike.
| ThankI went after a big storm and I got to admit all I did was get myself muddy and stuck, but all in all I had a lot of fun riding these trails. Some built track obstacles and plenty of root and logs ro ride over. Def a fun little work out
| ThankI would say that the bridge turns into the trail because I took a left off the bridge and ended up on a little path to nothing. I guess people walk back there to fish. Anyway the trail is quite fun and had enough hills to get a great little workout with out killing me. I would go back again....
| ThankAnother clarification, if I may ... the bridge is actually Old Route 4, not Route 66. Sorry to all Route 66 fans. Ride hard - throw up!
| ThankWith apologies, the directions above indicate the trailhead is on the left. That is incorrect. The trailhead is on the right. Have fun!
| Thank