• Dorrance Forest Preserve

    The green trail passes through a deep ravine with large Glulam bridge.

    The green trail passes through a deep ravine with large Glulam bridge.

    Dorrance Forest Preserve

    Want to get Involved?

    There will be plenty of opportunities for volunteer help on this project and the more help we get the faster the new trails will be ready for use. Click here to view the latest trail work day announcements. Click here to subscribe to the Dorrance forum (forum account required) to receive email updates about upcoming work days and the latest project developments.

    Summary

    Dorrance Forest Preserve is located right in the middle of Port Byron, IL making it a prime choice for recreation and specifically trails. This 80 acre park features moderate to steep terrain and is covered by large hardwood trees typical of the Mississippi River valley. The park is located just a short ride from downtown Port Byron making it a convenient recreation destination for locals or those just visiting.

    Trail Map

    Click to enlarge

    Planned Trails

    Three main loops of trail will be constructed at Dorrance. A green beginner loop, blue intermediate loop, and black advanced skills loop. Each trail will be around 1 mile in length with approx. 4 miles of trail in total when finished.

    Trail Descriptions

    • Green Loop - "Oakely Dokely" (Beginner ) A 1.6 mile loop tracing the interior of the park. A wider trail surface and low gradients makes this a good fit for beginner riders. The loop features a couple moderate climbs and one long descent. Enter/exit near the kiosk along the entrance road.
    • Blue Loop - "Loam Ranger" (Intermediate ) A 1.5 mile loop with numerous rollers, rock features, optional drops, and a few short climbs. One way only trail! (CW)
    • Black Loop - "Unkle Rukus" (Advanced ) This trail features, drops, steeps, steps, log overs, ladder bridges, and other advanced features to challenge riders (some without ride-arounds). Features will be added on Phase II during the winter/spring 2018/2019. One way only trail!

    Trail Information

    FORC is working with RICFPD to develop new trails at Dorrance. The green/beginner loop was completed in spring 2017 and the intermediate skill level blue loop in Fall 2017. There is one more trail being constructed in 2018. Total singletrack trail mileage when completed is expected to be around 4 miles. Trail format is a stacked loop system, like many other local trails, with a main loop that is wider and less technical and two more technical/difficult loops branching off. Permitted trail uses include mountain biking and other human powered activities.

    There is also a short out-and-back hiking trail/road along the northernmost ridge paralleling Agnes Street.

    FORC volunteers building trail at Dorrance.

    FORC volunteers building trail at Dorrance.

    Park Hours

    • Trails open daily 1/2 hour before sunrise and close at 10:00 pm. Be off the trails and ready to leave before 10pm.
    • Gates blocking access to the interior parking lot are closed during the winter months (December to April).

    Trail Closures

    Trails at Dorrance are closed to all users when wet and muddy to prevent rut damage. Trail closures are controlled by Dorrance park staff but are relayed to us and will be displayed on the trail status in the upper left hand corner of this page. Trails are typically closed for 24 hours or more after 0.20" or greater rainfall and during freeze thaw cycles as necessary in winter months.

    Directions

    Just North of Port Byron, IL on IL-84 or 3.5 miles North of I-80 on IL-84 (take the first/last exit entering/exiting Illinois and turn right on IL-84).



    Parking can be limited during summer evenings when ball games are in effect, which is most weeknights. An overflow parking lot is available at the top of the gravel road to the north of the interior diamonds (see trail map). Please don't block trail crossings along the roads!

    More Info

    Dorrance Forest Preserve is managed by the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District. On site features include bathrooms, softball/baseball diamonds, soccer fields, playground, small picnic shelter, and close proximity to the Great River Trail.

    This 33' bridge will be constructed over winter 2016 to complete the 101 loop.

    Project Updates - [Progress Photos Here]

    • November 2018 - Opened second phase of black loop.
    • September 2018 - Opened first phase of black loop (~40% complete).
    • May 2018 - Clearing begins on the black loop.
    • February 2018 - Black loop route flagging completed.
    • December 19th 2017 - Loam Ranger (blue loop) trail finished.
    • November 2017 - Signage installed.
    • October 2017 - Second section of blue loop completed.
    • August 2017 - First section of blue loop completed.
    • June 2017 - Construction of first section of blue loop begins.
    • May 2017 - Grand opening of the green loop.
    • April 2017 - Completion of the Glulam bridge project.
    • December 2016 - Layout of the blue trail.
    • November 2016 - The green trail is completed with the exception of a 33' bridge crossing a deeply incised stream.
    • April 2016 - Construction of green trail begins.
    • March 2016 - Layout of green trail.

    In The News

    Below is a collection of local news articles about the development of the Dorrance trails.

    Project Partners

    Big thanks to our partners who have provided resources and funding to make this project a reality!

  • 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.