Off-highway vehicle enthusiasts and state and local officials celebrated the grand opening of new trails at Sahara Woods State Recreation Area in Saline County in far southeastern Illinois on Friday. The ribbon cutting culminated a 26-year endeavor to establish Illinois’ first off-highway vehicle park on public land.
The system was made possible by the donation of reclaimed mine land from a former surface and underground mining operator in 1999. The project near Carrier Mills offers nearly 30 miles of landscaped off-highway vehicle trails for riders’ enjoyment. The land was earlier cleared by a $10-million mine reclamation work.
Governor JB Prizker says the years-in-the-making Sahara Woods project represents what happens when strong government partnerships prioritize local communities.
The trails are open nine am to five pm Friday through Monday. One day permits cost $20 per vehicle. Four-day permits are $65. They may be purchased online ahead of time.
