Outdoor writer Tim Renken of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch correctly predicted that Illinois Hiking and Backpacking Trails by Walter G. Zyznieuski and George S. Zyznieuski would "become the definitive trail guide for Illinois hikers". Now the brothers Zyznieuski have teamed up again and, following the same procedures that produced their classic hiking guide, have produced the definitive guide for the rapidly growing sport of mountain biking. The Zyznieuskis tell you all you need to know about mountain biking in Illinois. They note that mountain bike trails exist throughout the state, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area. The forty-eight trails they explored for this book run from three to seventy-eight miles long (the Hennepin Canal State Trail) and range in difficulty from extremely easy to challenging. Along with a map and a complete description of each trail, this illustrated book is packed with practical information. The brothers discuss the various surfaces: dirt, mowed grass, limestone screenings, and old railroad beds. And they advise riders as to what they need to take on the trip, stressing safety necessities such as a helmet. The appendixes discuss the Grand Illinois Trail, provide information on where to order maps, and list mountain bike clubs, trail organizations, International Mountain Bicycle Association rules of the trail, and Illinois bike rules. As they did with Illinois Hiking and Backpacking Trails, Walter and George have explored every trail they mention in this illustrated guide.

Be the first to open your mountain biking patrons' eyes to the surprising geographic diversity of the Midwest. From vast prairies to rolling, forested hills, and from roaring rivers to tranquil lakes, the Midwest is much more than cornfields! Newly revised and expanded to include 96 rides throughout Illinois. Indiana, and Ohio, Mountain Bike! The Midwest will dazzle fat-tire buffs with its array of excellent off-road tours. From challenging single-track ascents to leisurely jaunts along white, sandy beaches, bikers will find trails to fit all skill levels and tastes. Authors Richard Ries and Dave Shepherd save bikers precious time by leading them straight to the classic trails in the Midwest. Enthusiasts will find tours in the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys, Chicago-area forest preserves, and Shawnee, Hoosier, and Wayne National Forests, among other exciting areas. Riders will also appreciate a few new elements in this edition -- concise, at-a-glance key information at the beginning of each route profiled and handy ride recommendations for special interest groups.

From Chicago's magnificent lakefront to the mountain trails of the Shawnee National Forest, no state has more varied terrain for the cyclist than Illinois. Large, full-detail maps guide you confidently on city streets or prairie back roads, and concise, entertaining trail descriptions make your bicycle adventure come alive. Includes 60 rides for cyclists of all ability levels, tips on where to find water, snacks, lodging, repairs, fascinating notes that help you appreciate the nature and history along the trail, and much more.

Across the country, more than 1600 unused railroad corridors have been converted to level, public, multiuse trails, where people can enjoy a fitness run, a leisurely bike ride, or a stroll with the family. In this updated guide in the popular series, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presents the finest rail-trails plus other great multiuse trails in three Midwestern states. Rail-Trails Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio covers more than 70 trails in the region. Many rail-trails are paved and run through the most scenic parts of towns. Others, such as the 20-mile Sam Vadalabene Great River Road Bike Trail, travel along lush waterways, dramatic bluffs, and steep hills. The Monoon Trail in Indiana highlights the best of midwestern rail-trails by stitching together neighborhoods, recreational facilities, schools, and cultural centers between Indianapolis and Carmel. Rail-Trails Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio lets readers enjoy the serenity of the rural countryside along the Midwest's many great multiuse trails. This full-color book includes succinct descriptions of each trail from start to finish, plus at-a-glance summary information indicating permitted uses, surface type, length, and directions to trailheads for each trail. Every trip has a detailed map that includes start and end points, trailhead, parking, restroom facilities, and other amenities.

Following the success of their previous collaborations, Illinois Hiking and Backpacking Trails, Revised Edition and A Guide to Mountain Bike Trails in Illinois, Walter and George Zyznieuski offer this concise and handy resource for all outdoor enthusiasts interested in the outstanding nature centers and interpretive trails throughout Illinois. The 135 sites detailed in this illustrated guide are located in municipal and county parks, forest preserves, state parks, wildlife refuges, and the Shawnee National Forest. Sites range from the Apple River Canyon State Park in northwest Illinois to the Cache River State Natural Area in southern Illinois. This guide will assist individuals and groups in successfully planning visits to these areas by clearly identifying trails that are fairly short and well suited for families and those nature centers that provide hands-on experiences viewing wildlife and nature exhibits and participating in a nature program or activity. Also, those trails that are accessible to families with strollers, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly are identified with symbols and described throughout the book. Detailed descriptions of each center and trail are included along with directions, some maps and photographs, hours of operation, and contact information, including web sites, where available. Sixty-seven nature centers and interpretive trails are featured for northern Illinois, including Chicago Botanic Garden, Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary and Volkening Heritage Farm, The Morton Arboretum, the Chicago Portage National Historic Site, and the Black Hawk State Historic Site. For those interested in central Illinois, forty-one nature centers and trails are listed, including Kickapoo Creek Park, Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, Valentine Park, Salt Fork River Forest Preserve, Merwin Nature Preserve, Forest Park Nature Center and Adams Wildlife Sanctuary. Twenty-seven nature centers and trails are described for southern Illinois. Among these are Lusk Creek Canyon, Giant City State Park, Cache River State Natural Area, Ferne Clyffe State Park, Rim Rock, and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.