The best cycling routes around Old Mill Creek

There are over 25 touring cycling routes around Old Mill Creek, with a good mix of easy and moderate options. You'll find 18 easy routes and 11 moderate routes, ensuring there's something for various skill levels.

The terrain around Old Mill Creek is quite varied, featuring extensive trail networks like the Des Plaines River Trail and Millennium Trail. You'll encounter wide, packed gravel paths, smooth gravel trails, and some paved sections. The routes generally have gentle elevation changes, making them accessible for many cyclists.

Yes, Old Mill Creek offers 18 easy touring cycling routes. A great option for a relaxed ride is the McDonald Lake – Millennium Trail loop from Grandwood Park, which is 25.9 km long and features gentle terrain.

Many routes traverse beautiful natural areas. You can cycle past Independence Grove Lake, explore the wetlands and oak groves of Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve, or cross the Stone Bridge Over the River in Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve. The Des Plaines River Trail itself offers picturesque views of preserves, forests, and marshes.

Yes, many routes are family-friendly due to their gentle terrain and smooth paths. The trails within Independence Grove Forest Preserve, for example, are ideal for cyclists of all levels, including families, offering scenic lake views.

Absolutely. The region's woodlands, marshes, and prairies provide habitat and migration corridors for various wildlife. Areas like Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve are known for wildlife spotting and birdwatching, especially with its wetlands and oak groves.

The touring cycling routes in Old Mill Creek are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the diverse natural landscapes, and the well-maintained trail networks like the Des Plaines River Trail and Millennium Trail.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Old Mill Creek are designed as loops. For instance, the Van Patten Lake Dock loop from Six Flags Great America is a popular circular route offering scenic views, and the Gurnee Public Park loop from Vendor Campground also provides a circular experience through local park areas.

Spring and fall are generally ideal for touring cycling in Old Mill Creek, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. In spring, you can enjoy colorful wildflowers, particularly in preserves like Independence Grove. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for warmer weather.

For a route that combines moderate distance with excellent scenery, consider the Des Plaines River Trail – Independence Grove Lake loop from Six Flags Great America. This 33 km route follows sections of the Des Plaines River Trail and circles the picturesque Independence Grove Lake.

Yes, the Millennium Trail – Millennium Trail loop from Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve is a great option. This 30.3 km route allows you to experience a significant portion of the versatile Millennium Trail, passing through areas with wetlands and oak groves.