SIUE Trails

SIU-Edwardsville

This trail system is made up of more than 7.5 miles of tight, twisty, all-dirt singletrack in 6 separate trails. Modest elevation gain, thick forest, and smooth hardpack make for rides which will satisfy every rider from beginner to advanced. The trails were designed in such a way that they would be a place not only for beginners to try out mountain biking, but also to allow more advanced riders an opportunity to test their bike handling skills by riding the narrow trails at a more rapid pace.

They are built partially on the site of an old outdoor amphitheater from the 1970's, better known as the "Mississippi River Festival." The trails are easily accessible from the numerous bike paths that intertwine the Metro-East, so if you live in the area, driving to the trails is not necessarily required. While all the trails are designed to IMBA standards, because of the all-dirt surface, it is recommended that you not ride these trails immediately following rain.

Please download a map and take it with you, so you will be able to find all the loops, as they are spread out among numerous cross-country running trails.

Directions

Take hwy 255 North past Interstate 270, to New Poag Road. Turn Right or East at the end of the exit ramp. Stay on New Poag Road until the first intersection with a 4 way stop sign. This will be University Drive. Turn Right onto University Drive. The road will immediately bend to the left, at the end of the bend on your right is a gravel road, turn onto the gravel road. 

For those of you approaching by bike, there is a trailhead for Trail 2 off of the Delyte Morris Bikeway, which bisects the SIUE campus from Stadium Drive, and eventually connects with the Watershed Bikeway. The trailhead is in between Cougar Lake Dr. and University Dr., just to the east of campus. There is also a trailhead on Trail 3 at the back of Cougar Village behind the Northwestern-most collection of apartments.

Maps 

Trail Information

SIUE Trails
Forum Discussion

Trail Steward(s)

Steve Smith, Pete & Gigi Kuerschgen, Ross Blanton, Caleb Miller

Rating

Beginner / Intermediate

Length

7.5 miles

Type

Multiple Loops

Weather

Trail Conditions

Latest Conditions

From Keebler on Fri, 02/23/2024 - 9:18pm - SIUE Trails (Illinois)
Leaf covered but dry. Thanks to sawyers for keeping big trees off.
From d trey on Sun, 10/22/2023 - 10:21am - SIUE Trails (Illinois)
Rode 56431` trails in primo condition, starting to get usual leaf cover in usual spots, all crossings in good shape, this is best time to ride imo........Thanks to those who maintain the trails!
From d trey on Wed, 10/18/2023 - 9:33am - SIUE Trails (Illinois)
Rode 56421`-5 has small tree down at entrance, trails in primo condition, minimal leaf cover, this is best time to ride imo......be mindful of creek crossings on 4 and you'll be fine. Enjoy....Thanks to those who maintain the trails!
From d trey on Mon, 09/18/2023 - 9:25am - SIUE Trails (Illinois)
Rode 56431 Lots of overgrowth overall but it is starting to recede some. Very overgrown on #1. Some of the #4 crossings a little dicey. Trail itself is in prime condition. And always a big thanks to those who maintain the trails.
From d trey on Mon, 09/11/2023 - 6:19pm - SIUE Trails (Illinois)
Overgrowth receding some
From d trey on Mon, 09/11/2023 - 6:16pm - SIUE Trails (Illinois)
Rode 56431 overgrowth starting to rede some overall and one crossings still a little dicey on 4. Trail itself in prime riding condition. It’s the season!