The best road cycling routes around Old Mill Creek

There are currently 6 road cycling routes around Old Mill Creek featured in this guide, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.

Yes, Old Mill Creek offers easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Lake Andrea loop from St. Catherine's Hospital, an easy 12.5-mile (20.1 km) path with minimal elevation gain, providing a pleasant experience around Lake Andrea. The Lake Miltmore Beach loop from Gurnee is also accessible to all fitness levels.

For experienced riders looking for longer distances, the Druce Lake – Druce Lake loop from Prairie Crossing is a moderate 49.5-mile (79.7 km) route that demands good fitness. Another substantial option is the Benedict Lake loop from Antioch, which covers 38.4 miles (61.8 km) through varied landscapes.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Old Mill Creek are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Butler Lake Picnic Park – Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve loop from Prairie Crossing, the Lake Andrea loop from St. Catherine's Hospital, and the Lake Miltmore Beach loop from Gurnee.

Road cycling routes in Old Mill Creek offer diverse scenery, often featuring numerous lakes such as Butler Lake, Lake Andrea, Benedict Lake, and Lake Miltmore. You'll also pass through extensive forest preserves like Independence Grove and Van Patten Woods, and along river systems, providing views of woodlands, prairies, and marshes.

Yes, several routes offer views of natural attractions and landmarks. You might encounter Independence Grove Lake, pass through Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve known for wildlife viewing, or see the Stone Bridge Over the River in Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve.

The diverse landscape of Old Mill Creek makes it appealing for road cycling throughout the warmer months. Spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While many road cycling routes are primarily paved, the region also features versatile paths like the Millennium Trail, which is mostly compacted crushed stone with some paved sections. The Des Plaines River Trail also offers extensive sections of wide, packed gravel, providing a varied riding experience.

Yes, many of the forest preserves and parks that serve as starting points for road cycling routes in Old Mill Creek offer parking facilities. For example, routes often start from areas like Prairie Crossing or near St. Catherine's Hospital, which typically have parking available.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Old Mill Creek, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse terrain, the scenic views of lakes and forest preserves, and the variety of routes available for different fitness levels.

Absolutely. Many road cycling routes in Old Mill Creek are designed to showcase the region's natural beauty by passing through or alongside various forest preserves. The Butler Lake Picnic Park – Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve loop from Prairie Crossing is a prime example, taking you past multiple forest preserves and lakes.