Hiking/Mountain Biking

Have fun in nature and reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle! Wildlife Prairie State Park is a great place to take the family and hit the trails for some hiking or mountain biking!

East Side

There are 10 miles of hiking trails on the east side of Wildlife Prairie State Park. Take a leisurely hike through Merrill Woods which houses our indigenous animals housed in their natural habitat or tackle the tougher terrain of the Floodplain Hiking Trail where you will pass through forested glens, hills, and open prairie for a scenic hike.

• Hikers will enter and exit the park like all other visitors.
• A general admission fee is charged at the main gate or yearly membership privileges are applicable.
• Hiking hours end one hour before the park closes each day.
• Download our park map to decide where to start.

New! West Side

Hikers and mountain bikers have a new reason to celebrate! In cooperation with the Peoria Area Mountain Bike Association (PAMBA), WPSP now offers nature trails located on the west side of WPSP. A crew of Wildlife Prairie State Park volunteers, educated and supported by PAMBA built the WPSP Mountain Bike Trails to accommodate all mountain bikers’ skill levels. Whether you are a mountain biker, hiker or trail runner, there is something here for every active trail user!

A majority of the 9.5 miles of trails traverses through lands shaped by the strip-mining days. Left behind are serene ponds, deep lakes, steep ravines, and rocky ridges. Mix in stands of old growth forest, meandering streams and flowering prairies and you get plenty of beautiful scenery with a wide variety of terrain.

For the beginner: If it is your very first time riding a bike on dirt, there are 3 miles of wide trails known as “double track” that provide a comfortable introduction to riding in the woods. Our “double track” is designed with wide turns, gradual climbs and gentle descents that pass beautiful lakes and meadows. These trails are perfect for gaining confidence on your bike and are ideal for young riders, families and tentative beginners.

For the avid beginner and intermediate levels plus: The majority of our trail system is comprised of “single track”, defined by its 18” to 2’ width which is a mountain biker’s most coveted choice to ride! There are 7.5 miles of narrow trails that twist, descend quickly, climb sharply and require a higher skill level. Though there are several mellow “single track” sections, the avid beginner may find some sections intimidating while the intermediate will feel right at home on all of these trails.

For the advanced rider: Due to the twisting and tightness of the trail, riding the main loop at speed requires precise timing and handling skills. There are also a few sections of trail designed specifically with the advanced rider in mind. More advanced options are being planned in the near future.

• Trails are open from sunrise to 10:00 pm.
• Day pass is $7 for adults 13 & Up; $5 for children 4-12; under 3 are free. Members are free which is a part of your yearly membership privileges.
• Day pass or membership card must be clearly placed in windshield of car while hiking/mountain biking.
• Designated parking area is to be used by hikers/bikers for their vehicles and is located adjacent to Taylor Lake.