Southern Illinois citizens will see their first scenic mountain bike trails if Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) gets his way.
Severin recently met with Touch of Nature officials J.D. Tanner and Molly Maxwell to discuss a first-ever mountain bike project that, according to the Severin, will be “one of the best destinations in the country for those looking for wide variety of outdoor recreational activities,” according to his Facebook page.
The 30-mile trail to be constructed on Southern Illinois University grounds would offer recreational opportunities while also using the unique landscape as an learning environment for students. The Touch of Nature trail would also be a conduit between Carbondale and Shawnee Natural Forest. The trail will include mountain bike-optimized single-track trails with customized skill levels and track difficulty. Trail tread width, surface and grade will give mountain bike riders the chance to see rarely glimpsed parts of southern Illinois.
For more information on the Southern Illinois University Touch of Nature Environmental Center trail or to make a donation to the project, visit http://ton.siu.edu/facilities-and-services/multi-use-trail-projects/.
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