Bike riding is one of our favorite family activities. During the spring and fall, when we can’t get too far from home, but want to do some riding, the bike trails in Shelbyville, Illinois are our favorite spot. Living out in the country, it is not safe for kids to ride bikes on the road. The roads are one lane and drivers are often going fast. I love having the so many different types of trails in one place, so we can all enjoy riding safely.
Forest Park in Shelbyville, Illinois is home to mountain bike trails, General Dacey trail, and the pump tracks. All of these trails can be accessed from the l same parking lot in Forest Park. Bordering the south end of Lake Shelbyville in Central Illinois, Forest Park is located on the north east side of Shelbyville. Today I’m going to tell you all about these fun trails. If in the area sure to check out all the fun things there are to do around Lake Shelbyville.
What is a Pump Track
A pump track is a riding loop with a series of rollers and banked turns. The momentum from the rollers and berms can keep you moving forward, around the loop, ideally without peddling. The pump track in shelbyville is paved, although some pump tracks can be dirt.
Pump Tracks for all ages
What I love most about the pump tracks in Forest Park are the two separate areas. There is one small loop with smaller rollers for younger riders. Then there is a larger loop with big rollers and berms for more advanced riders. The small loop is perfect for children on balance bikes. The large loop has multiple loops and tracks which allows for many riders at once. Being able to complete the rollers and the berms on the large loop is such a confidence builder for older kids. My kids can spend hours riding these loops.
If you don’t have a bike, no worries, my kids have used to pump tracks with scooters as well. Sometimes they even just love running up and down the hills.
The entrance to the pump track is at the north east side of Forest Park. Go passed the aquatic center entrance and veer to the right and you will see the tracks at the end of a T Road. You can park in the same parking lot as the General Dacey trail head(to the left at the T), or by the softball fields (to the right at the T). There is a bicycle service station at both the little loop and the large loop.
General Dacey Trail Network
The General Dacey trail is a network of over 14 miles multi use trails, primarily used for bike riding, running, and hiking. The network of trails includes rock chip(gravel) trails, and dirt trails. The trails that make up the larger general Dacey trail can be accessed from many different points, check out the map here. We like to access the main General Dacey Trail (Rock), and the mountain bike extension trails (dirt) from Forest Park. You can access both of these trails from the same parking lot as the pump track.
Main General Dacey Trail
The main General Dacey Trail, as seen in red on the map, is a 7 mile gravel trail. This trail spans from Forest Park, through two Woodland loops, along the lake, across the dam bridge, passes the Lake Shelbyville visitor center, then heads into downtown. This trail is stroller friendly and maintained year round.
We often complete the mile long wooden loops that keep you close to Forest Park. These loops have beautiful views of the lake and one has a small trail that leads down to the lake. My kids love going to this overlook to throw rocks in the lake.
If you are riding or walking with kids and want to cut down the miles, start at Forest Park Trail Head and go to the right. This will skip the woodland loops, and bring you passed a small pond, over the Dam bridge and into the Visitor Center. There are many places to stop along the way and rest along this route.
The Lake Shelbyville Dam Visitor Center, is a great place to stop and explore especially with kids. There are many interactive exhibits and learning opportunities. The beautiful overlooks all the way around the visitor center make it a great place to stop and rest.
Mountain Bike Extension Trails
The mountain bike extension trails off of the general Dacey trail are all dirt trails. Many of them also contain rollers and berms like the pump tracks! There are five dirt trails that loop off of the main General Dacey Trail. These dirt trails are great for hiking and mountain biking, and provide beautiful lake views.
My favorite of these mountain bike trails is the Dove Crossing Trail, seen in Orange on the map. The Dove Crossing Trail begins in the same parking lot as the General Dacey Trail and the Pump Tracks in Forest Park. This is the best dirt trail for kids, because it often overlaps with the main trail. The over laps make it easy for parents to keep an eye on kids.
The dove crossing trail is only .8 miles long which is great for little riders. For a longer ride dirt trail ride the Dove Crossing Trail can connect to the Boulder loop and split rock Loop for a nice 4+ mile ride.
Best time to Visit the Bike Trails
Each of these bike trails are open year-round, but there are some things to consider when visiting. Our favorite time to visit is early spring or fall. The trees are gorgeous in the fall making for a beautiful ride(or walk). The park can get more busy in the summer. I have never seen the trails crowded, But you may have to take turns on the pump tracks if it is busy. Because the trails are right next to ball fields, parking can be limited when there are many games going on, in the summer. The Dacey trail does occasionally host events, like 5K‘s, and cross country meets so you may keep an eye on that before visiting.
Bike Rentals in Shelbyville Illinois
If you are in the area and wanting to try out the bike trails, but didn’t bring your bike no worries! Craig’s Sporting Goods and Family Fun Center in downtown Shelbyville rents bikes of all sizes! Their rentals are SO affordable for families at $10 per bike for a 24 hour rental! To rent you can visit their Facebook page which is linked above, call 217-296-2130, or stop in to see them! Their address is 105 East Main St. Shelbyville, Illinois.
Safety and Packing for the Bike Trails
Safety is super important when preparing to hit the bike trails, especially with kids. Important things to bring along are bike helmets, kneepads and a first aid kit. It never fails, someone is going to fall off their bike. Make sure you have plenty of Band-Aids and wet wipes before heading out.
If you happen to get to the trails and realize you forgotten helmets, you don’t have to turn around and go home. There are some complementary helmets hanging at each pump track loop. Just be sure to return them when you are done!
If you plan on hanging out at the trails, you’ll want to pack a lunch and drinks. There are many picnic tables to eat at, but there is no concession stand or restaurant within walking distance of the park.
Things to do In Forest Park in Shelbyville Illinois
If you don’t spend the whole day bike riding, there is plenty of other activities right there in Forest Park. Right near the bike riding area is the Shelbyville aquatic center. This is a great place to go in the summer to escape the heat. It has a zero entry pool with water features for smaller kids, and a deeper end with a slide for older kids and adults. There is also a small sand area inside the aquatic center for children to play in.
Forest park also features a large playground with many slides, climbers and swings, including adaptive swings.
For the sports lovers Forest Park has a sand volleyball court ping pong tables, many softball and baseball fields, and a small skate park.
If you are just there to relax, make sure to take a stroll around the beautiful Sunken Gardens, Walk over bridge at the duckpond and take a look at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium.
Family Fun in Shelbyville
Biking is a great way to keep the whole family, active and outdoors. There are many beautiful bike trails in central Illinois. Forest Park in Shelbyville is special because you can access dirt trails, gravel trails, and the pump tracks all from one spot. If you are looking for some free family fun, definitely head over to Shelbyville Illinois for the bike trails. You can keep up with our adventures and check out some pump track videos over on my Instagram.