Adventure seekers and off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts have a new destination to explore in Saline County, as the much-anticipated Sahara Woods State Recreation Area opened its trails for a soft opening yesterday. According to an announcement by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), this state-managed network of trails will cater to a growing interest in motorized outdoor activities until January 27, providing a brief seasonal opportunity before a winter closure.
The launch of the 26 miles of two-way trails in Sahara Woods marks a first for Illinois’s state system. Open on a select schedule from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Monday, riders are required to complete a registration form, sign a waiver of liability, and purchase permits online before setting out. As announced by IDNR, day passes are available at $20, or a four-day stint can be secured at $65, with the specific regulation that OHVs must not exceed a width of 64 inches.
The inception of this OHV trail system symbolizes a transformative stride for Sahara Woods. The IDNR shared that the area was formerly a coal mine from 1936 to 1995 before its reclamation. Years after the donation of the land to IDNR in 1999, the territory has witnessed an ecological facelift, reintroduced as a hub for recreation, while mitigating prior environmental and safety concerns.
IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie expressed enthusiasm for the endeavor by stating, "The staff at Sahara Woods have been working hard to open this long-awaited project and are ready to greet visitors." She indicated that after the temporary seasonal closing post-January 27, there would be a grand reopening event slated for May to welcome guests anew to the facility, which stands at 1210 Tipple Road, just 5 miles west of Harrisburg. For additional information or queries, the IDNR encourages reaching out to their OHV trails office at 618-707-1411 or via email to [email protected].
Funding for the Sahara Woods trails was supplied through a combination of federal grants and IDNR's own capital funds, ensuring the project's completion.
