Matthiessen State Park Mountain Biking Trails

Know before you go What isn't allowed at the Park.

Fines begin at $195.

Camping is prohibited outside of the state campground.

Rock climbing, rappelling, and scaling the sandstone features including the canyon walls are prohibited.

Ground fires outside of the state campground are prohibited.

Bicycles, scooters, skates, skateboards, and similar items are not on the trails.

Hiking after dark is not allowed.

Alcohol and any intoxicating substances are prohibited on all trails and the campground.

Drones are prohibited in all areas of the park.

Swimming in the Illinois River, canyon creeks, canyon pools, or waterfalls is prohibited.

Trampling sunflowers or picking sunflowers or any wildflower, plant, fern, or parts of a tree are prohibited in a state park.

Removal of any historical artifact, rock, or animal from the park is prohibited.

Metal detecting is prohibited.

Picnicking outside of the designated picnic area along the boat ramp to the sea wall is prohibited. Please practice Leave No Trace by packing out all of the items that you take with you including snack bags, candy wrappers, clothing, wipes, diapers, and beverage containers!!

The park provides 9 miles of multi-use mountain bike/ horseback riding trails for those who own their own horse or mountain bike. The trails are color-coded and marked with the yield order triangle which symbolizes that all users yield to horse riders. The trail map is at this link.

An equestrian campground for horseback riders and their horses is located west of Route 178 between Route 71 and the Dells Area entrance. Alcohol is prohibited in all campgrounds. The horseback trails and campground are open from May 1 to October 31, weather permitting/determined by park staff. Call 815-667-4726 to check conditions and status before coming to use these facilities.

Mountain bikes and horses are prohibited on all other trails throughout Matthiessen State Park and Starved Rock State Park.

The park provides 9 miles of multi-use mountain bike/ horseback riding trails for those who own their own horse or mountain bike. The trails are color-coded and marked with the yield order triangle which symbolizes that all users yield to horse riders. The trail map is at this link.

An equestrian campground for horseback riders and their horses is located west of Route 178 between Route 71 and the Dells Area entrance. Alcohol is prohibited in all campgrounds. The horseback trails and campground are open from May 1 to October 31, weather permitting/determined by park staff. Call 815-667-4726 to check conditions and status before coming to use these facilities.

Mountain bikes and horses are prohibited on all other trails throughout Matthiessen State Park and Starved Rock State Park.

Matthiessen State Park has 5 miles of well-marked, well-surfaced hiking trails for a relaxing walk or a vigorous hike. Large trail maps are located at all major trail intersections so visitors can choose a variety of routes. The upper area and bluff tops are easy hiking paths for the novice, but the trails into the interiors of the two dells may be difficult to negotiate, particularly during spring and early summer. Hikers must stay on marked trails, as steep cliffs and deep canyons can be dangerous. Hikers will marvel at the plant and animal life along the trails and have an unparalleled view of geological wonders as they travel through the park. Alcohol is prohibited on all trails.

There are 6 miles of cross-country ski trails with ski rental available on weekends from December through March. Call the Do It, To It Ski Shop to check on rentals and snow conditions at 815-343-7125 or 815-343-9014 before coming to the park.