5.0
(15)
29
riders
5
rides
Mountain biking around Long Grove, Illinois, offers a network of paths through forest preserves and along river corridors. The terrain is characterized by gentle hills and varied landscapes, including wooded areas and open spaces. This region provides accessible mountain biking experiences, with routes that generally feature minimal elevation changes. The trails are suitable for exploring the natural environment of the Long Grove area.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
5.0
(2)
7
riders
8.81km
00:31
40m
40m
The Yellow Trail Loop is an easy 5.5-mile (8.8 km) mountain biking route in Deer Grove Forest Preserve, taking about 31 minutes.
5.0
(9)
7
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(4)
7
riders
60.2km
04:25
130m
130m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
39.5km
02:36
150m
150m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
53.8km
04:01
190m
190m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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With the lake, playground, sports fields, paths, picnic, and bbq areas Butler Lake Park has everything you'll need for a day out.
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This bike repair station along the Des Plaines River Trail is equipped with an air pump, tire levers, Allen wrenches, and screwdrivers—perfect for quick adjustments and on-the-go maintenance.
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The Lake at Independence Grove is a must-visit stop along the Des Plaines River Trail, offering cyclists a scenic and easy ride through a 115-acre retreat. Once a gravel quarry, this reclaimed space now features smooth paths, gentle terrain, and beautiful lake views—perfect for beginners and family-friendly outings. Visit in the spring, and you might spot colorful wildflowers adding even more charm to this peaceful ride.
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This stretch of the Des Plaines River Trail is perfect for beginner cyclists and families looking for a smooth, scenic ride. Towering trees provide shade in the summer, while autumn turns the path into a golden tunnel of leaves. In spring, fresh greenery and wildflowers make it feel like a hidden sanctuary. With a well-maintained, mostly flat trail, it’s an easy and enjoyable ride for all ages.
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This stretch of the Des Plaines River Trail leads you to Minear Lake, a peaceful 72-acre lake perfect for a break. Take in the calm waters surrounded by tall trees, then head just steps away to the sandy beach if you're up for a swim. In the summer, it’s an ideal spot for a refreshing dip, but even if you’re just passing through, the quiet shoreline offers the perfect place to pause and soak in the scenery.
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MacArthur Woods is a preserved forest that showcases the original landscape of the eastern Des Plaines River Valley. The area features a diverse mix of plants, creating an important habitat for breeding forest birds, including the brown creeper, red-shouldered hawk, broad-winged hawk, veery, pileated woodpecker, and several rare warblers.
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The Lake at Independence Grove, a highlight along the Des Plaines River Trail, offers hikers a scenic 115-acre retreat within a reclaimed gravel quarry. If you're visiting in the spring, you may be able to spot colorful warblers along the surrounding woodlands!
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There are several mountain bike trails around Long Grove. komoot features 4 distinct routes, offering a variety of experiences through forest preserves and along river corridors.
Yes, Long Grove offers easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners. Two of the routes are rated as easy, including the Yellow Trail Loop, which is 5.5 miles long, and the 10-mile Paul Douglas Forest Preserve – Paul Douglas Preserve loop from William Rainey Harper College.
The mountain bike trails around Long Grove vary in length. You can find routes ranging from 5.5 miles, like the Yellow Trail Loop, up to 37.4 miles for more moderate rides such as the Des Plaines River bridge – Independence Grove Lake loop from Wheeling.
Many of the trails in Long Grove are suitable for families, especially those looking for gentle rides. The terrain features minimal elevation changes, making routes like the Yellow Trail Loop a good choice for a family outing.
Yes, all of the mountain bike trails featured in this guide are loop routes. This includes options like the 18-mile Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds – Des Plaines River bridge loop from Wheeling, which offers a scenic ride along the Des Plaines River.
The best time for mountain biking in Long Grove is typically from spring through fall (April to October) when the weather is mild and trails are dry. During these months, the forest preserves are vibrant, offering pleasant riding conditions.
Winter conditions in Long Grove can make mountain biking challenging due to snow and ice. Trails may be closed or become muddy during thaws. It's advisable to check local trail conditions before heading out in winter.
While Long Grove's trails are generally characterized by gentle hills, there are moderate options for those seeking a longer ride. The Independence Grove Lake – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Libertyville, at 24.6 miles, offers a more extended experience through varied terrain.
Many trails pass through scenic areas. You can explore natural attractions like Independence Grove Lake, Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds, and the Des Plaines River bridge. The routes often wind through forest preserves such as MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve.
The mountain bike trails around Long Grove are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 10 reviews. Riders often praise the accessible nature of the trails, the peaceful forest preserve settings, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable rides.
Many forest preserves in the Long Grove area allow dogs on trails, typically requiring them to be on a leash. However, specific regulations can vary by preserve, so it's always best to check the rules for the particular trail you plan to ride beforehand.
Most public forest preserve trails in the Long Grove area do not require a specific permit for mountain biking. However, it's always a good practice to check the official website of the specific forest preserve district (e.g., Lake County Forest Preserves) for any updated regulations or special event requirements before your ride.


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