Feel the Rush of 5 Thrilling ATV Trails in Marion, Illinois

There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush that comes when you’re lifting dirt and powering through difficult terrain on your ATV. Luckily, Southern Illinois offers plenty of opportunities for ATV riders to hit the trails. Whether you’re a beginner looking to practice your skills or an experienced rider in search of hairpin turns and challenging obstacles, there’s an ATV trail for you in this area. Here are five of the most popular ATV trails around Marion, Illinois.

Little Egypt Off Road

“ATV!” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by wheezinggirl

Image via Flickr by wheezinggirl

In nearby Crab Orchard, Illinois, the 900-acre Little Egypt Off Road park offers around 50 miles of open trails for your next adventure. The park features various terrain, including hills and mud pits, with dirt bike trails throughout the property. Dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides are welcome on the trails. The Little Egypt Off Road club, organized in 1997, also maintains two motocross tracks. The first track provides a challenging course for dirt bikes and sport quads. On the other track, kids and beginners can practice their skills in a safe environment.

The club requires riders to wear helmets on dirt bikes and ATVs, and all machines must have Illinois off-highway vehicle (OHV) stickers. Little Egypt Off Road is open on weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though inclement weather can affect those hours. In addition to regular park hours, the club hosts various events throughout the year, such as trainings and benefit rides.

Location: 20439 Ranch Lane, Crab Orchard

Price: $12 for adults ages 13 and older; $5 for children ages 6 through 12; free for children under 5 years

Williams Hill Pass

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Southern Illinois while hitting the trails at Williams Hill Pass, a not-for-profit outdoor recreational park in Harrisburg, Illinois. Williams Hill Pass offers 27 miles of trails on 226 acres of private property in the Shawnee National Forest. Open year-round, Williams Hill Pass provides challenging, winding ATV trails through the fields and forest surrounding the park. There are activities for every age and level of rider, including prairie trails, a swamp run, a kid-friendly course, and family trails. Hiking and fishing are also available in the park.

If you want to extend the fun, make plans to camp at the park. Williams Hill Pass offers both primitive campsites or electrical hookups with discounts for ATV riders. The park also has cabins available to rent with heat, air conditioning, and electricity. Williams Hill Pass is open daily for ATV riding, though it closes during shotgun season. The park requires Illinois OHV stickers and helmets for ATV and dirt bike riders.

Location: 1935 Peak Road, Harrisburg

Price: $15 for riders; $10 for veterans; $5 for non-riders; free for children under 5

Coyote ATV Trails

Located about an hour outside of Marion, Coyote ATV Trails offers well-maintained trails on 200 acres in Coulterville, Illinois. Hop on your ATV for a 10-mile trek along varied terrain, including hills and some jumps. There’s also a motocross track, which is well-suited for children and beginners. Coyote ATV Trails allows ATVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles, and side-by-sides on the trails. Note that helmets are required for all riders. You can also camp in developed sites, which feature restrooms and showers. Pay the park fee and camping fee at Pistol City, a restaurant near the trails.

Location: Aster Road, Coulterville

Price: Call 618-758-2851 for pricing and more information

Lincoln Trail Motosports

For the ultimate riding experience, visit Lincoln Trail Motosports. This park, located about two hours from Marion in Casey, Illinois, features 220 acres with a trail system and eight tracks of varying difficulty levels. Head out on your ATV to experience miles of trails with cresting hills and rounding corners. ATVs riders can also access most of the park’s tracks, such as the Endurorcross Track. In addition to riding, the park offers primitive camping, an on-site shop with parts and accessories, a bike wash, and bathrooms and showers.

The park is open for riding from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. It also offers prepped practices throughout the year. Illinois OHV stickers are required when using the trail system.

Location: 649 County Road 2150E, Casey

Price: $20 for adults; $10 for youth; $30 per ride for prepped practices

Brick’s Off Road Park

It’s worth the short drive across the Illinois-Missouri state line to visit Brick’s Off Road Park in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Once a four-generation family farm, the land now offers a haven for off-road vehicles, including ATVs and dirt bikes. You’ll enjoy the scenic environment while you wind through the rolling hills, creeks, and fields of the area. The park offers miles of trails, along with a trucks-only freestyle arena and rock climbs. Whether you’re looking for a pleasurable ride or a tough challenge, you’ll find it at Brick’s Off Road Park.

The park is open for events on specific weekends throughout the year, and spectators are welcome. There’s primitive camping available at the park.

Location: 2181 County Road 484, Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Price: Subject to change; call 573-718-7388 for more information

ATV Safety Gear

Whether you’re a novice or experienced ATV rider, nothing is more important than making sure you have the right gear to keep you safe while you’re navigating the rugged terrain. Here’s a safety gear checklist to help you stay safe on the open trail:

• Helmet: A must for any rider, a helmet is one of the best ways to stay safe while you’re on an ATV. Choose a full-face motorcycle helmet for ultimate protection.
• Eye protection: If you can’t find a full-face helmet, make sure you add eye protection to keep dirt, rocks, or other debris from damaging your eyes. Search for high-impact goggles made for outdoor protection.
• Gloves: Many manufacturers make gloves specifically for ATV riders, which may offer heat inserts and other enhanced protection for off-roading. A good pair of gloves can help you avoid injuries and stay comfortable while riding.
• Boots: Like gloves, boots can increase your comfort and offer added protection when you’re riding an ATV. Choose a high pair of boots, ideally over the ankle, to keep your feet from slipping on the footrests.

Now you’re ready to hit the trails safely and kick up some dirt on five ATV trails around Marion, Illinois. Where do you plan to hit the trail next? If you’re an avid ATV rider, did we miss one of your favorite trails or parks in the area? Send a message to Ike Honda and let us know. We love helping people pursue their passions and highlighting opportunities to explore the great outdoors around Southern Illinois.