The best road cycling routes around Orland Hills

There are over 10 dedicated road cycling routes around Orland Hills, offering a variety of experiences. These include 5 easy routes and 9 moderate routes, catering to different skill levels.

The terrain around Orland Hills is generally flat with minimal elevation changes, making it ideal for road cycling. Routes often feature paved paths winding through diverse natural landscapes, including woodlands, wetlands, and restored prairie ecosystems.

Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. One popular option is the Hickory Creek Forest – Old Plank Road Trail loop from Mokena, an easy 21.9-mile trail that takes you through scenic forest preserves.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 road cyclists. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of paved paths, the varied natural scenery through woodlands and prairies, and the generally flat terrain that makes for enjoyable rides.

For experienced riders looking for a longer challenge, routes like the Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail – Old Plank Road Trail loop from Mokena offer a moderate 40.5-mile path through extensive natural areas. Another option is the Old Plank Road Trail – Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail loop from Tinley Park-80th Avenue, which covers 41.8 miles.

Road cycling routes in the Orland Hills area often traverse beautiful natural settings. You can explore restored prairie ecosystems at Orland Grassland, serene woodlands like McClaughry Springs Woods, and picturesque lakes such as Turtlehead Lake. Many trails also wind through wetlands and glacier-formed landscapes, offering diverse scenery.

Absolutely. The Tinley Creek Forest Preserve is a major draw, featuring Turtlehead Lake with a paved multi-use trail. Other notable spots include Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens and the tranquil Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve, known for its wooded bluffs and ravines.

Many trail systems and forest preserves offer dedicated parking. For instance, the Tinley Creek Trail system has various access points within the Tinley Creek Forest Preserve. The Orland Park Bikeway Trail passes through Centennial Park, which provides amenities including parking. Cook County Forest Preserves also offer numerous parking areas for trail access.

Yes, many of the popular road cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, providing a continuous and convenient ride. Examples include the Old Plank Road Trail – Lions Park loop from Mokena and the Hickory Creek Preserve – Cleveland Road Trail loop from Mokena.

The diverse ecosystems, including prairies, woodlands, and wetlands, support a variety of wildlife. Birdwatching is particularly popular, especially at Orland Grassland and McClaughry Springs Woods, which is a migratory hotspot for over 120 species of birds. You might also spot other local fauna in the forest preserves.

Yes, the primary appeal for road cyclists in the Orland Hills area is the extensive network of paved paths and multi-use trails. Major systems like the Tinley Creek Trail and Orland Park Bikeway Trail are predominantly paved, ensuring a smooth ride suitable for road bikes.

The Orland Hills area is well-connected to broader regional networks. The Orland Park Bikeway Trail, for example, serves as a crucial connector, linking to the Tinley Creek Trail system and providing access to other nearby trails like the Palos Heights Bike Path and the Cal-Sag Trail.