On the same day a few years ago, I rode both the Pecatonica and he Cheese Country trails, both "multi-use," in that they both seem to be favored by crazy, speeding, sometimes drunken drivers in their obnoxious four-wheelers. These clowns apparently think nothing of churning up the trail itself (so that a lowly bicycle has to slog through inches of pulverized gravel to a depth of several inches in many places), but also of bullying bikers off the the trail and irresponsibly leaving the trail in their machines and wreaking havoc in the surrounding natural areas. I will never return to either of these two trails because they have been co-opted by the local four-wheeler gangs.

I was sad to see the multitude of negitive comments concerning the ATV usage on the Tri-County trail (or any other legal trail for that matter.) I've been utilizing this trail for over 25 years for everything from bicycling, X-C skiing, as well as for motor sports with motorcycles, snowmobiles, and atvs. I believe this is one of the nicest trails dedicated as a shared trail in the midwest since motorized vehicles we no longer permitted in the forest preserves. We will always have multiple opinions concerning the use of motorized vs non on trails. The motor sports clubs place a great deal of time and well as club money into assuring the trails are safe for anyone who choses to utilize them. Many of the volunteers that utilize the trails for motor sports also us the trails for non motorized sports as well.
Without the support of these clubs and the generous volunteers the trails would be in far worse shape for bicycles, running, and all other non-motorized activities.
As far as the "smelly fumes" there has been a great deal of time and money spent by the manufactures to make them more environmentally responsible. I'm also fully aware that there are people who don't follow the rules of the trail and I'm ecstatic to see that those people have been fined as well as banned from the trails in many cases.
The trails are for all to use as long as they're respected as well as those others on the trails.

not sure why so many are giving salty reviews because of off road (atv's,motorcycles,ect..)
yes weekends can get alittle busy, but Its prob because some work all week and like to ride
and relieve alittle stress on their day off! There are plenty of non-ATV trails for hikers,mountain
bikers,ect...to enjoy! So lets keep the dirty looks ,to yourself and try to
respect eachother. Offroaders have to respect not being able to ride on most trails so I find
it a little ridiculous when getting (bad reviews) for ride'n on the few trails were allowed too! You
dont see off-roaders whinning about having to lookout for hikers,ect.. Shouldnt be labled a mixed
trail, yea right?! Im sure hikers, bikers would respect that!

Don't use this trail unless you're 4 wheeling, because the surface isn't ridable with a bicycle, and not enjoyable at all because of the dust and gas fumes, especially on weekends. The other posts are right on. This shouldn't be categorized as a multi use trail.

"I agree with the other reviewers. This was once a nice scenic trail until the ATVs beat it to tears. If you like dust, mud, rusts, stench, noise and flying stones, you'll love this trail."

"This multi-use trail is primarly used by ATVs and weekends are very busy. I suggest you avoid Saturdays and Sundays unless you are motorized. The ride from the Monroe trailhead west to the Cadiz Springs Recreation Area near Browntown is a nice, easy ride but watch for ruts and loose surfaces on the trail."

"I rode this trail on June 20, 2003, from Gratiot to Mineral Point and back. For forty miles I was the only person on bike while 140 others were using ATVs. The bridges have gaps between planks that can catch bike tires. The ATV's fishtailing has loosened packed gravel on 2/3 of trail.

Take the mixed use bicycle sign down before someone gets hurt. I will never ride this trail again."

"This trail is primarily used for ATVs so while its maintained by their club, it also gets ripped up a bit.
The first time I rode here was after a rain storm and the trail was quite beaten and muddy. I rode again this past summer and it was in much better shape. If starting in Mineral Point keep in mind that its a downhill ride south. My last 62 mile ride was a little difficult for those last 10 miles back uphill.
Mineral Point is an excellent place to start as there is a brewery/bed&breakfast at the trailhead. Theres nothing like ending a ride with a good microbrew.
Theres plenty of wildlife along the trail. Large turtles, deer, eagles, turkeys, frogs, and (not so wild) cows are frequent sites."