A mountain bike leaning against a tree along a winding dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery in a forest. Kickapoo mountain bike trail.
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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 14 mi (22.5 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +449/ -309 ft
Total: 156 riders
 

Mountain Biking Kickapoo

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#3 of 128 mountain bike trails in Illinois
#278 in the world

The mountain bike trails located in the Kickapoo State Recreation Area traverse over 1,000 acres. A variety of topographical features are available for the rider to experience. You'll see intense climbing sections and blazing fast descents among other challenges. But there is something for everyone on this system along its sixteen named and numbered trails. Trails are primarily named with a numbering system, although several have conventional names. And not all numbered trails connect together in numerical order. Here is the naming convention:

  • Trails: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Trails: 1a, 1b
  • Trails: Haul Road, Heaven & Hell, Session
  • Trails: Kids Loop, Playground Loop

The main trailhead is located at the intersection of Kickapoo Park Road and 1200 East Road (40.152197, -87.716228). Several amenities are available at this paved parking area. These include a shelter with tables and fire pit, trail map, trash can and a pit toilet. There are usually plenty of locals here who can answer your trail questions.

One of the best features of these trails is that they are one-way. With the exception of Trail 1, Haul Road and Session, flow direction is more or less counter-clockwise. This reduces the potential for conflict and increases safety while riding. Trail posts, located at the head of each trail, identify the number or name and ride direction.

The trails located at the northern end of the system tend to have more advanced features. You'll find Trails 7, 8, 10, Heaven & Hell, and Playground Loop contain some of the most difficult features to conquer. Bailouts and connection trails are available. Use these to bypass trails or change the riding order of trails. Each visit can be a new experience by switching your sequence of trails.

Families with young riders may want to check out the Kids Loop. Located at the main trailhead, this 500-foot trail is primarily flat, offering a great place for push bikes and younger riders.

An outdoor outfitter is available in Kickapoo near Clear Lake and the western park entrance. If you are in need of a bike for the day, Kickapoo Adventures has mountain bikes for day or half-day rentals. Stop by and check out their inventory.

For interactive maps, photos, and detailed trail descriptions, check out the Danville City GIS application.

First added by Iknowyou ForSure on Mar 2, 2004. Last updated Apr 9, 2021. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: no
  • Night riding: yes
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: yes
  • Fat bike grooming: yes
  • E-bikes allowed: no
  • Fee required: no
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
From I-74 get off at Oakwood exit 207 and head north. Take first right (about one mile to turn). Go through kickapoo, trailhead will be on left side of road about 1 mile out of the park.
System trails (14)
 difficultyHeaven & Hell1.2 mi
 difficultyPlayground Loop0.5 mi
 difficultySession Trail0.4 mi
 difficultyTrail 10.6 mi
 difficultyTrail 105 mi
 difficultyTrail 1a3 mi
 difficultyTrail 20.5 mi
 difficultyTrail 30.5 mi
 difficultyTrail 42 mi
 difficultyTrail 52 mi
 difficultyTrail 60.4 mi
 difficultyTrail 70.9 mi
 difficultyTrail 80.6 mi
 difficultyTrail 91.1 mi
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Kickapoo Trail map

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Local Info

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Trail conditions

Good (Nov 7, 2021)
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Kickapoo videos

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First solo ride of trails 1B…
 
 
 
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Rider questions

Q: Ride when wet?
A: It is discouraged to ride the trails when wet so as to prevent erosion and trail degradation. Kickapoo Mountain Bike Club maintains the trails and posts updates on their Facebook page as to trail conditions during/after inclement weather.