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.
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.
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.
Opens: Sunrise
Closes: 11:00 pm
Stephens Park is located near downtown Moline and is easily accessible from many locations in the QC.
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.
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.
Sylvan Island
Open
Sunderbruch
Open
Scott County Park
Open
Illiniwek
Open
Westbrook
Open
Stephens
Open
Prairie Park
Closed
Dorrance
Open
Dog Park
Open
Scott Community College
Open