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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 10 mi (16.1 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +248/ -53 ft
Total: 54 riders
Mountain Biking The Fay Pickering Memorial Trails
#7 of 128 mountain bike trails in Illinois
Intermediate single track with some large climbs, for the area, beautiful views of the lake, four loops some with technical areas and/or steep climbs, and all through scenic woods. Main trailhead and parking at 18050-, 18332 N Hammer Rd., Marshall, IL 62441.
First added by byby88 on Apr 18, 2015. Last updated May 8, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: yes
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: yes
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: yes
- Fat bike grooming: yes
- E-bikes allowed: yes
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
From I-70 Marshall IL exit head south on IL route 1 to US-40 W to E Spike town Rd., to N1400th St., to E 1600 Rd., to N1300th St., to E Hammer Rd. which becomes N Hammer Rd. follow this to the trailhead and parking at 18050-, 18332 N Hammer Rd., Marshall, IL 62441. The trail headband parking are at the NE end of a dam.
System trails (5)
Featured in
Good trails overall but so much lost potential. The area has the possibility of being phenomal if the builders had any vision or knowledge beyond their very limited scope. Instead of riding around eroded sections they should do maintenance and fix the bad spots.
| ThankThis trail is an attempt at a beginner trail. It could be one if the builders would have openedbthe trail corridor up a little in a few places, rerouted the trail to create reduced grades, widened the trail tread, and removed the off camber sections. As it is, by IMBA standards, it is intermediate. The builders also have no idea how to build berms in the corners some of the berms are borderline dangerous and one setnof sterp downhill corners is terribly laid out and definitely solidly intermediate level. If you are a beginner be aware this is not truly a beginner level trail.
| ThankBeginner trails in most states would eat you alive! Stay on the velodrome track if you think these are dangerous/intermediate. IMBA ratings always allow for some more difficult features or sections.
ThankAwesome place. Stop here on my travels today. Fun singletrack and they made great use of the land available. I wish I could remember the gentleman's name that gave me the layout as I would like to thank him once again.
| ThankHiked loops A-B-C this week. All in good condition, no significant leaf coverage yet. Incline-vertical sections have been eroded by the heavy rains this year - more exposed roots than in previous years.
| ThankIf you are looking for great views and challenging climbs this is the best trail in the area. Also, it drains very well and was created without heavy machinery...impressive
| ThankWatch the first decent it is rutted out really bad and needs maintained or rerouted.
| ThankThere has definitely been a shift to quantity over quality. The maintenance is not what it once was. Watch out for erosion zones. There are a couple that are downright dangerous do to lack of maintenance. A reroute should really be put in place. These areas are why I have upgraded difficulty to advanced. It's a shame these trails have the potential to be one of, if not, the premier trail system north of the Shawnee National Forest area.
| ThankPretty much a repeat of C only less technical.
| ThankThese are great trails as long as your skill level is the same as the trail builders. There isn't any progression. The new D section is the same or less technical than the existing C section. It mostly feels like you are just repeating C. I f you areally looking for anything beyond intermediate level trails or simply a good workout, look elsewhere.
| ThankThe fpmbts are very fast and even the newest trail, d trail, is as hard as the original trails.
| ThankHad a great time riding these trails. Super fast and well maintained. 10/10 would recommend from beginner level to expert.
| ThankThis trail is a great addition to the overall trail system. There are a few climbs, but overall this trail has a lot of flow and can be ridden quickly. Highly recommend riding this trail no matter what skill level you are. Well done Fay Pickering trail crews.
| ThankThe "B" loop was in great shape today, dry, 80-90% leaf-free so excellent for hiking. This loop appears to be near 3.9 miles vs the published 3.0 miles.
| Thankgreat trail, lots of views, great climbs, fun downhills, great view of the lake.
| ThankTrail A is the shortest trail at Fay's, and probably the most technical. The switchbacks on the backside of the trail can be tricky climbing or descending. Plus, it's a pretty good climb either way you go to get back to the dam. One way is a long, gradual climb, and the other way is short and steep.
| ThankTrail B takes you across the dam and has the most climbing (and descending) of all the trails at Fay. There is a short section that takes you out to the bank of the lake, but the rest of the trail is mostly out in the woods. It's a blast to ride, and there's something for everyone on this trail.
| ThankA rolling trail with great flow. The faster you ride it...the more fun and technical it becomes! Lots of bench cut trails that seemingly put you out over the lake with excellent views.
| ThankThis is the first MTB trail I have ever ridden. I have ridden it about 5 times now, all sections. "The Fay" is right on Mill Creek Lake which is really peaceful and offers a fantastic view while you're biking. This trail has a great community of regular riders that are very helpful, and they offer great advice that will enhance your experience of the trail. There are plenty of challenging sections that will test your skill, as well as beautiful, open cruising sections that are perfect for beginners. After riding this trail I am hooked on mountain biking. The trail is very well maintained. If you're looking for a fun, challenging day on the trails, The Fay is the perfect place! I recommend it 100%
| ThankThese trails are a blast to ride! I can tell a lot of thought went into planning these trails...just by how they flow through the landscape and taking advantage of all the views they have to offer. There is something for everyone here. If you're a beginner, you might have a couple of short hills to hike. If you're an intermediate rider, you'll be fine all the way around. If you're an expert, try riding these trails fast...I guarantee you'll get a workout. Definitely worth a ride if you're in the area!
| ThankLots of fast flowy trails, short punchy climbs, and a couple of long grinders. These trails always give me a great workout. The scenery is awesome. 1full loop is 10 miles with the new addition of loop D. And it's always dry! If you've never ridden here, add it to your list
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