Kickapoo Mountain Bike Trails

The complete guide to the bike trails near Danville, Illinois

Location of Danville, Illinois

 Kickapoo State Recreation Area , located only five miles west of Danville, Illinois, is home to some of the best mountain bike trails in the Midwest. This trail system contains more than 22 miles of cross-country single track. Visitors to this park will discover trails with technical features and flowy sections, intense climbs and bombing descents. There's just about anything a mountain biker could want. You'll definitely forget you're in Illinois.

 Danville , located between Chicago, St Louis and Indianapolis, is perfectly placed for a day trip. But if you want a longer stay, check out the many lodging options in Danville or Kickapoo's campground. And if you're just passing through the area, be sure to bring your bike. You'll be glad you made the journey! Because these bike trails are news worthy.

After a thrilling day of trail shredding, there's only one way to end it. Head into town and grab a meal at any of the Danville restaurants. You'll find everything from tacos, pizza and wings to Japanese hibachi and local coffees. Included at the end of this tour is a convenient restaurant map. Stop by, the folks of Danville would love the opportunity to serve you.

Now sit back while I take you on a virtual ride-along of the mountain bike trails located at the Kickapoo State Recreation Area.

Overview of the System

Welcome to the Kickapoo mountain bike trailhead.

Main trailhead entrance

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.

The interactive map to the right is a lightweight inset which provides many trail photos taken at specific spots along these trails. Click  here  for the map's full capabilities. The full capability map allows you to swipe between terrain and satellite layers, measure distances, zoom directly to trails using bookmarks, and view trail directional arrows.

Full capability web map with Swipe tool. Turn on IMAGERY layer for use with the Swipe tool.

The button below leads to an application displaying Kickapoo mountain bike trails in 3D. This map allows you to pan, zoom, rotate and tilt the trails as you like. View the trails from a birds-eye view and take in the topography. Trails 8, 10 and Heaven & Hell showcase the local terrain very well.

Heaven & Hell in 3D

Download your own copy of the trails

A lot of time and effort has been put into making these trail lines as accurate as possible. Using quality GPS and advanced GIS, these trail lines are the best you'll find anywhere. The links below allow you to download the specific file type you want. The Esri File Geodatabase is the most accurate, but you'll need a GIS application to use it. While the other three types are somewhat less accurate due to conversion, they are far more convenient to use. These files can be uploaded to your favorite app to provide a precise representation to match against your treks.

Virtual Tour

Haul Road

While technically not a trail, Haul Road is an important part of the trail system. That's why I'm mentioning it here rather than later.

Haul Road is a gravel access road beginning at the main trailhead and running the entire length of the system. Many people use it for hiking, biking, dog walking and more. The road does have uphill and downhill sections, but those are primarily gentle enough for anyone to ride. At the very end is a beautiful lake view with an overlook of the Middle Fork River, the only designated National Scenic River within Illinois.

The entrances of Trails 1, 2 and 9 are located on Haul Road. Bailouts connect to Haul Road from Trails 2, 3, 6, 7, 9 and Heaven & Hell. Additionally, Trails 8, 9 and 10 exit directly onto the road. Located near the midpoint of Haul Road is Stump Pond, a great place for a snack, checking your bike or chatting with friends about the ride.

Haul Road heading towards Trail 2


Session Trail

I'll also mention Session Trail here since we'll not be riding it today. This trail is a half-mile connection between the end of Trail 5 and the middle of Trail 8. It is used bi-directionally for riders accessing either side of the trail system. If you need to quickly exit the trails and return to the back lot parking area or the main trailhead, Session is there for you.

Connection to Trail 8

Trail 1

Trail 1 is a three-quarter mile, multi-use shared trail connecting the main park grounds to the mountain biking area. A short road ride from the RV campground will take you to the southern trailhead. Here you'll find a kiosk map displaying important trail information. This trail is a mixture of gravel sections and grass sections wide enough for two to ride side-by-side, but be mindful of other users coming toward you. Trail 1 brings you to the entrances of Trails 1a and 1b, as well as Haul Road. When you reach Haul Road, turning right takes you to the entrance of Trail 2 and the main trailhead. Turn left and you have access to Trails 3, 4, 9 and the majority of Haul Road.

There are hiking trails in this area. The Out & Back hiking trail connects near the south trailhead, splits off at the middle of Trail 1 and crosses Trail 1 immediately north of the Trail 1a entrance. Be sure to ride only on marked bike trails.

Southern trailhead kiosk map

Shared use gravel path

Trail 1a

Trail 1a is one of Kickapoo's longer trails at nearly three miles. The entrance is located just south of Haul Road on Trail 1. This is a relatively easy flow trail with a moderately smooth surface. It's a great trail for riders getting into the sport, or advanced riders needing a warm up or cool down lap.

Along this trail you'll be delighted by the scenery of large trees and deep ravines. Modest uphill sections are perfect for novice riders. These will give you an opportunity to develop your climbing technique. Big sweeping sections of downhill runs are great for letting your bike fly down the trail. Be on the look out for slower riders on this one and give them the right of way. Riding laps on Trail 1a combined with 1 and 1b let you rack up trail mileage without coming across difficult features.

Enjoy high tree canopies and panoramic views

Great for families

Trail 1b

If you want a trail made for almost everyone, Trail 1b is the one for you. The entrance is just south of the Trail 1a exit along Trail 1. It exits near the southern end of Trail 1. It is three-quarters of a mile, complete with slight uphill and downhill grades, a small gully dip and gentle flows. Beginners and families will find a combination of Trails 1 and 1b enjoyable. Add Trail 1a for a longer ride and a few more difficult features.

Gentle grades and smooth surface

The only dip feature on the trail

Trail 2

Located a short ride from the main trailhead along Haul Road is the entrance to Trail 2. At about a mile long, most riders hit this trail first. They'll continue through the entire lap before riding Trail 1a and 1b. Coming from Trail 1, just turn right onto Haul Road and you can't miss it. It begins with a moderate-grade climb followed by a fast, twisting section before heading into a ravine. At the bottom, you'll cross three creek beds which may be wet. Exiting the ravine, you'll pedal up a stepped, bench-cut climb, followed immediately by a log rollover. Trail 2 also has a sprint run and small bump climbs.

At the end of Trail 2 is a bailout connecting to Haul Road. You can exit here and ride off to another trail, such as Trail 9, or continue directly onto Trail 3. This is the first of many bailouts that can be used to change the order of your ride.

The trail entrance is a climb

Going down into the valley

Trail 3

Short and technical describes Trail 3. It's only a half-mile, but incorporates some features to note. It begins with a sandy uphill followed by twisting trail that navigates between narrow-gapped trees and concrete obstacles. Keep an eye out as pedal and bar strikes are common. Before coming to the end, you'll bounce down or jump over a rooty drop onto a sandy stretch.

Trail 3 connects directly to Trail 4, while a bailout gives you access to Haul Road. There are riders who ride Trail 2 and 3, then head back to Trail 9 at this point, creating a quick feature filled loop. This is the last bailout to Haul Road until the bailout at the end of Trail 6.

Changing direction and heading back

A pond with only seasonal tendencies

Trail 4

Trail 4 is a two-mile trek that will take you away from Haul Road. It has an overall grade that's more up than down. Climbing gingerly towards the beginning of Trails 5, 6, 10, Heaven & Hell, and Session you'll have the occasional downhill slope and gully dip. Other features include a log roll over, wall ride and creek crossing. Following immediately after the creek is a challenging rocky climb affectionately named "Heartbreak Hill." Climbing this hill is the first real test of your ability. Be sure to choose your line carefully, shift gears and use proper body positioning to keep traction. With this combination, you'll be up Heartbreak in no time.

When you reach the end of Trail 4, several choices are available to you. Either continue directly onto Trail 5, then Playground Loop or take the connector trail to Trails 6, 10, Heaven & Hell, or Session. For those who need to return to the main trailhead, an exit is available, which takes you to the back lot parking area. The main trailhead is an easy one-and-a-half-mile road ride to the south. To get there, follow these steps:

  1. East on 2030 North Road,
  2. South on 1180 East Road,
  3. East on 2000 North Road,
  4. South on 1200 East Road.

Rolling over a log

Crossing the creek before the Heartbreak Hill climb

Trail 5

This trail can be reached by traversing Trail 4 or by parking at the back lot. Many Kickapoo riders park at the back lot to immediately access the northern trails. This allows for fresh legs when riding the more strenuous trails. You can choose to bypass Trail 5 and proceed directly to Trails 6, 10, Heaven & Hell, and Session. But if you're headed to Playground Loop, you'll need to take Trail 5.

Trail 5 has a length of two miles and contains four gully dips of varying sizes. The third gully has a bridge crossing that's fast and fun. There are also a number of dirt jumps, a log skinny and plenty of roots to test your bike's suspension. There is one set of narrow-gapped tree, so watch your bars. Just after the Playground Loop, about halfway down Trail 5, is a bench overlooking Stump Pond. This picturesque spot is perfect for having a rest, taking some water or eating an energy bar.

When you come to the end of Trail 5, turn left. This is the correct flow direction. You'll come across Session, which is a bi-directional trail connecting to Trail 8. Continue on, and you'll see a kiosk map at the junction of Trails 6 and 10. Heaven and Hell starts just a short distance up Trail 10. Alternatively, you can exit the trail system at the back lot parking area, then take the previously mentioned road ride south to the main trailhead.

The bench overlooking Stump Pond

The bridge crossing on the third gully

Playground Loop

While Playground Loop is only a half-mile in-length, you'll end up spending as much time here as anywhere. Kickapoo Mountain Bike Club volunteers have created a masterpiece that provides plenty of thrills, but ride it according to your own skill level. Climbing to the apex of this trail puts you at the top of the jump run. Perfectly sculpted dirt jumps launch you and your bike into the air. A large berm at the bottom throws you around for the climb back up. It's super easy, barely an inconvenience.

After hitting the jump run several times, you're now ready to tackle the elevated drops. These three progressively higher drops are completed by a large berm which absorbs your speed. Definitely check them out prior to riding. Roll-arounds are available for anyone not comfortable with this particular challenge. Always consider your own safety prior to riding any features.

Looking down the first jump run

Final elevated drop of three drops

Trail 10

Yes, we are going onto Trail 10 before Trail 6. Why am I choosing to head this way? Because Trail 10 exits onto Haul Road, then leads you to the back half of Heaven & Hell. Riding up the back half brings you to the beginning of Trail 6 and Heaven & Hell once again. Trail 10 currently is the longest of all the bike trails in Kickapoo. It is a five-mile out-and-back trail with no bailouts, but has a single parking area exit at the northern end on 2130 North Road.

Most of Trail 10 has a gentle up-and-down flow, winding through beautiful forests and along deep ravines, but don't let that deceive you. During a ride on this trail, you'll be faced with fast downhills, sharp switchbacks and the most intense climbing offered at Kickapoo. The first notable uphill is a 1,000 foot long climb called the "Serpents Tail", and it will make you work. Oh, and you'll also need to know about several creek crossings. You will get wet!

Currently this trail exits onto the Haul Road spur. Continue on the spur to Haul Road, turn left and head to the climb, which is the bailout of Trails 6 and 7. Climb up the slope, follow the signage to enter Heaven & Hell at its own bailout. You'll then ride along the back half of Heaven & Hell before coming to beginning of Heaven & Hell and Trail 6. You now have the choice of riding all of Heaven & Hell or moving on with Trail 6.

Starting up the "Serpents Tail"

Oddities of the trail

Heaven & Hell

Now that we've returned from our out-and-back journey on Trail 10 and partial ride of Heaven & Hell, we'll ride the entire length of Heaven & Hell. This is one of Kickapoo's most technical trails and is just over a mile long. Take your time and scout this trail before rushing into it.

Heaven & Hell veers to the left, off Trail 10, just past the kiosk map. You are quickly greeted with three switchbacks becoming increasingly technical, while the sections in-between are narrow and off-camber. Making it past these switchbacks is just the beginning. Fast downhills, intense climbing and blind landings are in store. And if that isn't enough, you'll have to make it up several tricky climbs. The bottom of Heaven & Hell is a beautiful valley ride. You may even hear some people call this place "Nirvana." There are a few features here to keep it interesting. Remember that riders coming from Trail 10 enter Heaven & Hell at its bailout, so keep watch for them coming from this direction. The end of this trail puts you right back where you started. From here, you can transition directly to Trail 6.

Watch those switchbacks, they can be hard

This is the place called Nirvana

Trail 6

Alright, now we're heading down Trail 6. If you're looking to test those high gears, you've come to the right place. It begins shortly after Trail 5 where Trails 6, 10 and Heaven & Hell diverge. Placed here is a kiosk map with important trail information. You can park at the back lot location for immediate access to this trail.

Although Trail 6 is one of the shortest trails at less than a half-mile in length, it boasts one of the fastest runs. A small incline prepares you for a downhill that you can sprint as fast as you can for the length of this trail. You'll fly cleanly over a step-drop mid-trail on your way to the dirt jump at the end.

Immediately after the jump, a fork gives you two choices. Veering left takes you directly onto Trail 7, while going right gives you choices of either heading back onto Heaven & Hell, bailing out to Haul Road or connecting with the beginning of Trail 8. If you take the Heaven & Hell route, you'll climb back to the beginning of Trail 6 to do it all over again.

Kiosk map at the trail divergence

Fly off the step-drop or roll around

Trail 7

If there's one thing I can say about Trail 7 is that it's a combination of all the other trails. Right around one-mile long, this trail has a lot to offer, making it a favorite of many riders. Connecting directly from Trail 6, it begins with an off-camber descent and gully dip, followed by climbing. You then come to a table top leading to a downhill with gully dips and several small jumps. Climbing again sets you up for the final gully dip, downhill run and step drops.

Trail 7 has a bailout taking you to Haul Road, or you can continue onto Trail 8. A kiosk map is placed at the end of Trail 7. Riders are able access this location from many different trails, connections and bailouts. Use this map to reorient yourself to the system.

A beautiful ride following a ravine

Trail 8

This half-mile trail is the bane of many riders of Kickapoo. Beginning directly from the end of Trail 7, the connection from Trail 6 and Heaven & Hell's bailout, it winds its way nonchalantly past the Session Trail connection to a block-armored section. This armoring leads up to the "Three Kings."

The Three Kings are a series of climbs that prove your skill and how much endurance remains in your legs. The first king has defeated many who have attempted to conquer it. It's a technical climb that will challenge your gear shifting, body positioning and pedaling. The second and third kings are more about line choice and momentum. Don't let these trick you, or you might not clean them.

Following the kings is a downhill run complete with washouts, sand, gravel and tight switchbacks. This is one section where you'll need to brake. Take it slowly and safely until you become more familiar with it. Trail 8 exits onto Haul Road, where you can rest at the Stump Pond picnic table before heading up to Trail 9. Another choice would be to jump back onto Trail 4.

The first of the Three Kings

These switchbacks are sketchy

Trail 9

Trail 9 is the conclusion to our tour of the Kickapoo mountain bike trail system. Measuring just over one mile, it provides an enjoyable route back to the main trailhead. This trail contains some really nice features. Shortly after entering, a hidden left turn climb appears. Don't let this stall your momentum. Three gullies and a ravine crossing are still to come. The exit is a quick, downward-sloping run.

You'll come across a bailout that provides quick access to Trail 1, then to Trails 1a and 1b. If you pass the bailout, you exit Trail 9 directly at the entrance to Trail 2. Ride east to the main trailhead, west for Trail 1 or jump on Trail 2 for a second lap.

What goes down must come up

Riding through low canopy while coming to the end

Visitors to Kickapoo

Mountain bikers who visit the Kickapoo mountain bike trails come from far and wide. You can see the extent to which they travel to ride this great trail system. We would appreciate your contribution to the visitor map. Use the survey below to add your location.

Kickapoo MTBer Hometown Map

MTB Visitors to Kickapoo Hometowns

Tour Conclusion

Thank you for joining me on this guided virtual tour of the Kickapoo mountain bike trails. I hope you enjoyed this tour and are excited about riding here. The KMBC volunteers have worked hard to create a trail system you can return to again and again. We look forward to your visit and wish you a happy and safe ride.

After you've finished your ride, come into Danville for a bite at any of the great local eateries. Some people say there's nothing better than a plate of tacos to end a tremendous day of biking. Or perhaps you prefer to savor a fabulous locally brewed coffee or a fresh scoop of ice cream. Whatever you want, the eateries in Danville are sure to have it.

To learn more information about the hardworking volunteers who provide us with this wonderful gem, continue through to the end.

Nearby Restaurants

Restaurant Map

KMBC Information

Kickapoo Mountain Bike Club

Kickapoo Mountain Bike Club is an entirely volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization solely responsible for building and maintaining mountain bike trails in the Kickapoo State Recreation Area. In 2019, Kickapoo Mountain Bike Club was named Illinois’  Volunteer Organization of the Year  by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

KMBC volunteers log over 2,000 trail work-hours annually and have nearly 300 paid members. Their work includes building new trails, maintaining existing trails and hosting club events. An active Facebook community, with over 2,900 members, is available to answer all your questions. You may even find the occasional trail guide or ride group. Having this level of involvement fuels the quality of the Kickapoo trails and local mountain biking community.

Visitors to Kickapoo can help ensure the continued success of these trails by:

  1. riding when trails are firm and dry, leaving no ruts;
  2. riding only on marked trails, not making your own;
  3. carrying out trash, not leaving it on the trail.

Thank you for respecting this park and the work of these dedicated volunteers. If you would like to become part of this community, or learn more about KMBC, visit their website and Facebook page at the links below.

Location of Danville, Illinois

Main trailhead entrance

Full capability web map with Swipe tool. Turn on IMAGERY layer for use with the Swipe tool.

Heaven & Hell in 3D

Haul Road heading towards Trail 2

Connection to Trail 8

Southern trailhead kiosk map

Shared use gravel path

Enjoy high tree canopies and panoramic views

Great for families

Gentle grades and smooth surface

The only dip feature on the trail

The trail entrance is a climb

Changing direction and heading back

A pond with only seasonal tendencies

Rolling over a log

Crossing the creek before the Heartbreak Hill climb

The bench overlooking Stump Pond

The bridge crossing on the third gully

Looking down the first jump run

Final elevated drop of three drops

Starting up the "Serpents Tail"

Oddities of the trail

Watch those switchbacks, they can be hard

This is the place called Nirvana

Kiosk map at the trail divergence

Fly off the step-drop or roll around

A beautiful ride following a ravine

The first of the Three Kings

These switchbacks are sketchy

What goes down must come up

Riding through low canopy while coming to the end