While Chicago undoubtedly steals the spotlight as Illinois’ premier destination, the state boasts a wealth of adventures beyond its bustling metropolis. For nature enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers, Illinois stands as a gateway to extraordinary off-road adventures and mesmerizing UTV trails. Its remarkably diverse terrain invites riders of all skill levels to embark on a thrilling journey brimming with surprises at every twist and turn. From meandering through dense forests to conquering rugged hills and valleys, Illinois unveils a captivating blend of breathtaking beauty and heart-pounding excitement.
Join us as we reveal the top 6 UTV trails that Illinois has to offer for your next vacation, getaway, or spontaneous day trip.
What are the best UTV trails in Illinois? Some of the state’s top UTV parks and nature trails include:
- Little Egypt Off Road
- The Cliffs Insane Terrain
- Fox Valley Off Road
- South Fork Dirt Riders
- Atkinson Motorsports Park: Gob Hill
- Mill Creek OTV Park
Forget about tirelessly searching for “off-road trails near me” or scouring the internet for information on Illinois UTV trails. We’ve done the legwork to ensure that you have easy access to the most remarkable off-road experiences Illinois has to offer. Our comprehensive guide provides you with crucial details such as location, difficulty level, and unique trail features for each park. Let’s discover the best 6 UTV trails in Illinois with Halo Performance!
Little Egypt Off Road
Experience the impressive transformation of an abandoned strip mine into the renowned off-road paradise known as Little Egypt Off Road. This exceptional destination showcases over 50 miles of winding wood trails, thrilling hill climbs, exhilarating mud pits, and meticulously designed tracks. Specifically tailored for ATV/UTV enthusiasts, the park features an expansive section dedicated to a sprawling network of 30 miles of riding tracks, spread across 400 picturesque acres. Little Egypt Off Road stands as the ultimate haven for those seeking limitless miles of enchanting forests, breathtaking hills, and expansive trails!
Location: 20439 Ranch Lane, Crab Orchard, IL 62959
Dates & Hours: Office Hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Difficulty Level: Novice to Amateur
Required Permits:
- IL DNR OHV Sticker
- Signed Release and Waiver Form
Website: https://www.leormc.org/home.html
The Cliffs Insane Terrain
Embark on an exciting journey of exploration at The Cliffs Insane Terrain and discover your preferred terrain paradise. This remarkable destination truly lives up to its name, boasting an array of terrain types that cater to every off-road enthusiast’s taste. Whether you’re drawn to challenging mud bogs, exhilarating creek crossings, expansive open fields, heart-pumping rock crawling, or the thrill of conquering deep water puddles, The Cliffs have it all. Let your passion for off-roading lead you to this exceptional park, where the terrain will exceed your expectations and leave you craving for more.
Location: 2681 US-6, Marseilles, IL 61341
Dates & Hours: Summers Open Friday – Monday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Winters Open Saturday & Sunday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Difficulty Level: All Levels
Required Permits:
- Signed Release and Waiver Form
- OHV stickers
Website: https://www.thecliffsinsaneterrain.com/home
Fox Valley Off Road
If you’re looking for the perfect destination to take your family on an exciting trail adventure, look no further than Fox Valley Off Road Park! Boasting an impressive 12 miles of multi-directional and unmarked trails, Fox Valley offers a plethora of options for exploration. It’s an ideal activity for the whole family, as they provide a dedicated kids-only track and riding area. Even if it’s your family’s first time off-roading, there’s no need to worry. The park offers an enclosed fence area specifically designed for beginners to learn and gain confidence. However, it’s important to note that the park only allows motorcycles and 4-Wheel ATVs, with no double riders permitted.
Location: 1952 N 35th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350
Dates & Hours: Wednesday 12 PM – 7 PM, Friday 12 PM – 6 PM, Saturday & Sunday 9 AM – 5 PM | Closed Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday
Difficulty Level: Novice
Required Permits:
- Signed Release and Waiver Form
- No Unlicensed Vehicles
Website: https://www.foxvalleyoffroad.com/
South Fork Dirt Riders
South Fork Dirt Riders is a family-owned and operated OHV park that offers an expansive 400-acre playground of captivating woodland trails and exhilarating motocross tracks. Visitors to the park are warmly welcomed, whether they ride dirtbikes, four-wheelers, or side-by-sides. For those seeking a little competition, the park features open mud race and motocross race weekends, providing the perfect opportunity to unleash the power of their OHVs. If you plan a visit on the weekends, participate in thrilling OHV events, live concerts, and even primitive camping!
Location: 794 IL Route 104, Taylorville, Illinois 62568
Dates & Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Friday – Sunday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Closed Monday & Tuesday
Difficulty Level: Novice to Amateur
Required Permits:
- Signed Release and Waiver Form
- IL DNR OHV Public Access Permit
Website: http://www.southforkdirtriders.com/index.html
Atkinson Motorsports Park: Gob Hill
Located on the expansive 216-acre property, once the site of the renowned Peabody Coal processing facility, lies the exhilarating Atkinson Motorsports Park. A testament to nature’s untouched beauty, this remarkable park now boasts an exciting variety of diverse landscapes. From the expanses of 100 acres of undiscovered timber, picturesque lakes, and rolling hills to the 116 acres of desert-like terrain, it’s impossible to completely cover what Gob Hill has to offer! This Midwest gem offers an unparalleled sense of freedom with its unrestricted playground.
Location: 23354 US HWY 6, Atkinson, IL 61235
Dates & Hours: Open 7 days a week from 9 AM to Dusk
Difficulty Level: All Levels
Required Permits:
- Signed Release and Waiver Form
- Valid DNR Sticker
Website: https://www.gobhill.com/
Mill Creek OTV Park
Mill Creek OTV Park boasts an extensive network of ATV/OHV trails spanning approximately 15 miles, which can be found on the park’s western side. With three distinct trail loops catering to riders of varying skill levels, the park ensures a thrilling experience for everyone. The trails wind through diverse terrain, including ponds, providing a captivating and dynamic backdrop for off-roading enthusiasts. Whether you ride a UTV or an ATV, Mill Creek OTV Park warmly welcomes all, making it an ideal destination for mixed groups seeking adventure regardless of their skill level.
Location: 20482 N. Park Entrance Rd., Marshall, IL 62441
Dates & Hours: Open Sunrise to Sunset January 20th – October 31st
Difficulty Level: All Levels
Required Permits:
- Signed Release and Waiver Form
- Valid OHV Sticker
Website: https://www.clarkcountyparkdistrict.com/index.php/activities/trails/atv-trails
MAP OF ILLINOIS UTV TRAILS
BEST ILLINOIS ATV / UTV / ORV RESOURCES:
- Guide to the UTV Laws of Illinois – ATV MAN
- Illinois ATV Registration & OHV Permits – MotorcycleZombies.com
- How to Make a UTV Street Legal n Illinois — Dirt Legal
Enhance Your UTV Experience at Halo Performance
We have been producing selectable lockers and off-road-related parts for over 2 decades. Our aftermarket products are proudly made in the USA. Allow us to help you prepare for your upcoming UTV race or UTV trip in Illinois. You can order our pin lockers and electronic sway bars online. Or you can also call 727-230-7803 for service from a U.S. based employee.
