The best cycling routes around Highland Park

There are over 45 touring cycling routes around Highland Park, offering a diverse range of options for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars.

The touring cycling routes in Highland Park primarily feature a network of paved bikeways, often traversing forest preserves and river corridors. You'll find varied terrain, including trails alongside the Skokie River and routes connecting to Lake Michigan, with many routes offering mostly paved surfaces through green lawns, native gardens, and restored woodlands.

Yes, Highland Park offers many easy routes suitable for families and beginners. For instance, the North Branch Black Paved Trail – North Branch Trail loop from Hubbard Woods is an easy 16.9-mile (27.2 km) route featuring mostly paved surfaces through natural preserves. Overall, 29 of the 46 available routes are classified as easy.

Many routes offer scenic views and pass by notable natural features. You can explore areas like the Skokie Lagoons, the Skokie River, and various forest preserves. Specific highlights include Skokie Lagoon No. 3, MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve, and the North Branch Trail itself, which is a significant cycleway.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Highland Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Grosse Point Lighthouse – Green Bay Trail loop from Lake Forest and the Small Lake – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Fort Sheridan.

Highland Park offers pleasant cycling conditions through spring, summer, and fall. The region's forest preserves and native gardens are particularly vibrant during these seasons. While some trails might be accessible in winter, the primary cycling season benefits from milder weather and fully accessible paved paths.

While specific regulations vary by preserve and trail section, many forest preserves in the Highland Park area are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's advisable to check local signage or the specific preserve's website for the most current rules regarding pets on trails you plan to visit.

Highland Park and surrounding areas, including forest preserves, generally offer designated parking areas near trailheads. The city's 'MoveHP Plan' aims to improve access, including for cyclists, suggesting that parking facilities are considered for trail users. Specific parking availability may vary by route starting point.

For those seeking longer rides, the Grosse Point Lighthouse – Green Bay Trail loop from Lake Forest covers 41.1 miles (66.2 km) and is rated moderate. Another moderate option is the Skokie Lagoons – North Branch Trail loop from Fort Sheridan, which is 33.3 miles (53.6 km).

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 80 reviews. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paved surfaces, the scenic beauty of the forest preserves and river corridors, and the accessibility of routes that connect various natural areas and local destinations.

Yes, some routes utilize the Green Bay Trail, which offers views towards Lake Michigan. For example, the Grosse Point Lighthouse – Green Bay Trail loop from Lake Forest provides opportunities to experience the lake's proximity and views.

The duration varies significantly by route and your cycling pace. Easy routes like the North Branch Black Paved Trail – North Branch Trail loop from Hubbard Woods can take around 1 hour 33 minutes. Longer, moderate routes such as the Skokie Lagoons – North Branch Trail loop from Fort Sheridan might take approximately 3 hours 21 minutes.