The Cliffs Insane Terrain Inc

I was here volunteering for the Spartan Race and OMG I can’t wait to comeback and do the Race myself… okay maybe I can wait I’m a little old and as I typed that sentence my bones tightened up… lol
I saw people of all ages and fitness levels while I was there and that was awesome… It actually inspired me to want to try but we shall see… lol
When we first got there I didn’t think it was that big until we went around the bend to a trail that seemed to open up to this big terrain of Fitness Goodness. I can’t tell you what it looks like when the Spartans aren’t there but I can tell you what I experienced when they were there… A well oiled machine that gave the participants a chance to do and experience something different.
I know the place is probably even bigger than what I saw but from what I seen and how long it took many of the participants to get through the course it has to be huge. Many of the participants were saying they couldn’t wait until next year or they were going to find the next city they were going to be in because they wanted to do it sooner than later.
They had plenty of porta potties which helped them stay clean because they made sure with the enormous crowd that everyone had a good experience… I mean as much as you can have with a porta potty… lol
The only thing I didn’t like were those enormous bugs and the site nor the Spartan Race could control that… but I wish they could… lol
While we were there it was a place that took in old shoes to recycle them… Way Cool!!! I wish I could remember the companies name because that is a great idea. It didn’t matter how soiled the shoes were they took them and hey I say anything that can help the planet is a plus.
I don’t know about other events but I do know my experience with the Spartan Race was excellent!!!
Enjoy!!!

So dirty… so much fun!
My 4 year old had a blast.
My buddy’s old Jeep muffler and tail pipe got caught up in a ditch but he was able to drive it home all muddy. It looked cool.
It is always that last ride that gets ya ;)

Place isn’t that great just go to the badlands, the cliffs close on rainy days don’t waste your time

Went here for the first time this past weekend, and wow was it fun! They have some pretty gnarly spots you can have a lot of fun in if you are brave enough, but you can stay out of those areas pretty easy as well if you are driving a newer vehicle and dont want it scratched up. trees are dense. it was dry but i could see this place being brutal if it is wet. lots of ruts, lots of mud, lots of trees, tight stuff, hills, everything you could want from a local offroad park. I am happy they are there, I will go back, I would definitely recommend to a friend.

This was my first time off-​roading and attending the Insane Terrain 2 event. I cannot thank the staff enough for helping out a newb to off road Jeeping. From the moment we pulled into the lot, the event guides were extremely friendly and helped us out with parking, camping, fees, food, etc.
I was reluctant to bring a new stock Jeep but the guides made sure that I knew what we needed to do. As for the trail guides… they were all awesome and friendly. The trails were awesome and had something for everybody of all levels.
The camping wasn’t the most comfortable but then again, this isn’t a campground so really no complaints there. The place had plenty of parking for tons of Jeeps.
Thanks for an awesome time and I will be back… with a lift and mud tires!

I could not agree more, I think if the front office could keep there attitude in check I could give them 5 stars. His comment saying they are known for their friendly staff. That may be but every-​time we come the same young gentlemen is at the front desk and he is snotty and rude. But me and my buddy always come down to have a piece of the insanity and we always have a great time. The parks other riders are ALWAYS willing to come pull you out. You usually don’t even have to ask anyone.
See you all this weekend and stay muddy!

If I had to review this place based solely on customer service, I would have given it 1 star. The people in the office are some of the most rude people I’ve encountered. This was on 2 separate occasions. Being that you only have to deal with the people in the office when you first get there, I gave it 3 stars because the park itself is not too bad.

This was are 1^st time off roading and the experience was awesome, this locations terrain is huge the best part was when are Jeep got stuck in the mud and about five people stopped to either get us help or try and help us. We highly recommend this place. We’ll be back soon.

The Cliffs is an off-​road park for atv’s, motorcycles, utv’s and jeeps.
It was our first time there and I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t great but okay. I originally thought this was a full size 4×4 place — but they allow other vehicles. Since they do allow full size 4×4’s, that causes many areas to be rutted pretty bad. You never knew if the puddle you were about to drive thru was shallow or deep. It does take a little bit of skill just to make it around the main road so definitely not a place for beginners or little ones. If it has rained a lot, don’t bother going. It will be very muddy and difficult to navigate without getting stuck. If they worked on fixing the ruts this place would be great. Some of the side trails were good. When we came up to an area that was either rutted out or just plain difficult, usually if you look around there is an easier way around or room to turn around. Unlike some places, the people working there seemed to care.
We have a sport utv, Polaris RZR, and the park is well suited for it. If you like speed and trails you should probably look else where. Since the trails at The Cliffs are rutted and sometimes seem to randomally go through the woods, it’s more of a slower paced «watch were you’re going» thing. If you like mud then this will probably suit you well. As for full size vehicles, since we don’t have one we watched others and it appears it can be quit challenging. Paths for full size are narrow so expect body damage.
Being in the Chicago area there isn’t many places to ride so being only 1 hour away is definitely a selling point. Granted, if I had to choose I would pick St Joe over this place but it was still enjoyable. (St Joe 7 hours, Cliffs 1 hour) The Cliffs is a little pricey at $ 24 a rider but I would have spent a heck of a lot more in gas going somewhere else.