• Stephens Park

    FORC volunteers building new trail at Stephen's Park.

    Summary

    Stephens Park is only a short ride away from many of Moline's attractions, restaurants, and breweries. Don't let this small urban trail system fool you. There's enough climbing, fast and fun downhills, and flowy singletrack packed in to entertain all riders. After only a year and a half of construction the system has been completed and all trails are now rideable as one 1.75 mile loop. This loop is located entirely within the wooded ravines on the property.

    Trail Information

    All planned trail at Stephens Park are now complete and open for use! Incorporating some sections of existing hiking trail and blazing trail where no-one though possible, a new 1.75 mile loop tailor made for mountain biking adds another dimension to the park. Check out the trail map below for the route.

    The main trailhead is located behind the central ball diamond and to the east of the picnic shelter. Park in the lot north of the ball diamond. Bathrooms are available to the west of this parking lot. There is also a drinking fountain behind the picnic shelter.

    An alternate trailhead is located off 7th street in the parking lot near the ball diamonds (see map below). It is a little easier to access but lacks amenities. It's usually a good choice during peak hours since the main parking lot fills up quickly.

    Trails are bi-directional so riders should be aware of other users around blind corners and be prepared to yield to climbing riders and hikers/runners. Given the short trail length and downtown location, encounters with other users will likely be higher than at other trails. Make every encounter a courteous one.

    Trail difficulty falls between beginner (green) and intermediate (blue) skill level. A couple unavoidable climbs with tight switchbacks, creek crossings, and a few steep inclines push this trail slightly above a true beginner level trail.

    Trail Map

    Stephen's Park Trail Map
    click to enlarge

    Trail Closures

    Trails at Stepehns Park are closed during wet and muddy conditions to preserve the integrity of the trail surface. This minimizes erosion, creates a more pleasant user experience, and ensures sustainable use for many years to come. Current trail conditions can be found on the FORC homepage and are regularly updated.

    Park Hours

    Opens: Sunrise
    Closes: 11:00 pm

    Directions

    Stephens Park is located near downtown Moline and is easily accessible from many locations in the QC.

    Project Updates

    In April 2015 FORC pitched developing new mountain biking and hiking trails at Stephens Park to the Moline Park Board. There was overwhelming support for the project and we quickly secured approval to move forward with design and construction of new trail. After a few weeks of route layout we began trail construction and have recently completed enough trail to create the first rideable loop.

    • 4/22/16:The last section of trail for the Stephens trail system is complete and connects the existing trails into a 1.75 mile loop. This new section features four challenging switchback corners, mild exposure, and some great views of the park (when the foliage dies back).
    • 9/10/15: A new section of trail is complete eliminating the steep gravel climb on the east side of the park. A tight switchback was required due to the steep terrain.
    • 8/15/15:A new section of trail is finished which eliminates a short steep climb at the bottom of the old hiking trail and adds a bit more mileage to the loop.
    • 7/1/15: The first trail loop is officially complete! This combines new and existing trail for a loop around 1 mile in length. Thus far ~250 volunteer hours have gone into the project.
    • 4/24/15: FORC presents singletrack trail proposal to Moline Park Board and receives approval to move forward with the project.

    FORC volunteers building new trail at Stephens Park.

    More Info

    A Facebook page has been created for trail related announcements and organizing trail work days. Check out Stephens Park Trails if you want to get involved or stay up to date on the project.

  • Local Trail Conditions

    Report Trail Issue

    Sylvan Island

    Open

    Sunderbruch

    Open

    Scott County Park

    Open

    Illiniwek

    Open

    Westbrook

    Caution

    Stephens

    Closed

    Prairie Park

    Closed

    Dorrance

    Open Some Soft Spots

    Dog Park

    Open

    Scott Community College

    Closed

  • MTB Trail Etiquette

    • Ride Open Trails: Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness.

    • Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

    • Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.

    • Yield Appropriately: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you're coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to other non-motorized trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.

    • Never Scare Animals: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.

    • Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.