The best cycling routes around Orland Hills
4.5
(29)
202
riders
15
rides
Touring cycling around Orland Hills, Illinois, offers a diverse landscape shaped by ancient glaciers, featuring extensive natural preserves. The region is characterized by restored grasslands, prairies, wetlands, and oak savannas, providing varied terrain for cycling. Rolling hills and serene lakes contribute to a pleasant environment for outdoor pursuits. A network of dedicated bike trails, including both paved and packed-dirt paths, winds through these ecosystems.
Best touring cycling routes around Orland Hills
- The most popular touring cycling route is Tinley Creek Purple, Green, and Red Trails Loop, an 18.9 miles (30.4 km) easy trail that takes 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. This route features paved paths through woodlands, wetlands, and prairies.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Orland Grassland loop, an easy 12.3 miles (19.7 km) path. This route winds through restored grasslands, prairies, and oak savannas, offering opportunities for birdwatching.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Tinley Creek Forest Preserve – Turtlehead Lake loop from 143rd Street (Orland Park), a 16.0 miles (25.8 km) trail leading through well-maintained grassland around Turtlehead Lake, often completed in about 1 hour 32 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Orland Hills is defined by restored grasslands, extensive prairies, and tranquil wetlands, with diverse trail systems. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult ability levels.
- The routes in Orland Hills are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 40 reviews. More than 250 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Orland Hills's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
4.0
(4)
17
riders
30.4km
01:45
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
4
riders
19.7km
01:11
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(8)
42
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
34
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
5
riders
91.9km
05:22
250m
250m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This section of the Centennial Trail takes you from Lemont to Willow Springs and passes through Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The path passes through a treelined, green landscape and is a very relaxing place to ride.
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The Cal-Sag Trail, or Calumet-Sag Trail, is a paved multi-use path spanning 16.2 miles. It connects the John Husar I&M Canal Trail in Lemont to the Major Taylor Trail in Riverdale. Users hug the Cal-Sag Channel, getting nice waterway views and shade from the surrounding forests. Future plans aim to extend the trail to 26 m
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Lock Number 1 is the first lock south of Chicago. It is in the town of Lockport and has a picnic area with views of the canal.
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This is a paved 30-mile (48 km) bike trail that traces a former railway line through Snohomish and Skagit county. You ride through beautiful scenery – green farmland, creeks and rivers frame your ride. The trail is shared use so be mindful of pedestrians. Near Arlington, you can connect to the Whitehorse Trail to extend your ride.
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Turtlehead Lake is a highly popular spot for fishing lovers in the area, where you can stop to rest and enjoy its picnic areas and the beauty of nature.
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This park is ideal for a mid-ride stop, where you can relax on the grass or on one of its benches. Moreover, if you're lucky, you might catch a concert at its pavilion.
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During your ride on the Orland Park Greenway, you will come across this grassy clearing with a small pond on one side and a bench where you can sit down to have a snack while enjoying the tranquility of the place, and if you're lucky, the sun.
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Discover the enchanting Tinley Creek Forest Preserve, a nature haven with picturesque landscapes. Traverse the gentle hills, wander through thriving prairies, and explore dense woodlands. Embark on a captivating journey alongside serene wetlands and enchanting ravines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of landscapes can I expect to see while touring cycling around Orland Hills?
Orland Hills offers a diverse landscape shaped by ancient glaciers, featuring restored grasslands, prairies, wetlands, and oak savannas. You'll encounter rolling hills, serene lakes, and dense woodlands, providing a varied and picturesque environment for touring cyclists.
Are there many touring cycling routes available in Orland Hills?
Yes, there are nearly 20 touring cycling routes around Orland Hills, catering to various skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes over 250 times, highlighting the region's appeal for cyclists.
What are the typical trail surfaces for touring cycling in this area?
The region features a mix of trail surfaces. Many popular routes, such as the Tinley Creek Purple, Green, and Red Trails Loop, offer paved paths. Other areas like McClaughry Springs Woods provide packed-dirt trails, winding through green forests.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Absolutely. Most of the routes in Orland Hills are rated as easy. For instance, the Orland Grassland loop is an easy 12.3-mile path through restored grasslands, perfect for a relaxed ride. The paved, multi-use trail around Turtlehead Lake is also relatively flat and suitable for families.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes in Orland Hills?
Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops, offering convenient circular tours. Examples include the popular Tinley Creek Purple, Green, and Red Trails Loop and the Tinley Creek Forest Preserve – Turtlehead Lake loop from 143rd Street (Orland Park).
What natural features or landmarks can I explore along the touring cycling routes?
You can explore several natural highlights. The Orland Grassland is a vast preserve known for its restored prairies and birdwatching opportunities. The Tinley Creek Forest Preserve offers picturesque landscapes with gentle hills and woodlands. Other notable areas include Turtlehead Lake, McClaughry Springs Woods, and Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve, all offering unique natural beauty.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Orland Hills?
The touring cycling routes in Orland Hills are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, well-maintained trails, and the tranquil natural environment of the preserves.
Are there opportunities for birdwatching while cycling in Orland Hills?
Yes, Orland Hills is an excellent destination for birdwatching. The Orland Grassland, in particular, is a significant habitat for numerous grassland and wetland bird species. McClaughry Springs Woods also records over 120 bird species, making many routes ideal for combining cycling with birdwatching.
What is the longest easy touring cycling route in the area?
Among the easy routes, the Tinley Creek Purple, Green, and Red Trails Loop is one of the longest, spanning 18.9 miles (30.4 km). It offers a scenic ride through woodlands, wetlands, and prairies.
Are there any routes that offer views of the Chicago skyline?
Yes, on clear days, visitors cycling through the expansive Orland Grassland can catch glimpses of the Chicago skyline, adding an unexpected urban backdrop to the natural scenery.
Which preserves are particularly good for touring cycling?
The Tinley Creek Forest Preserve and Orland Grassland are highly recommended for touring cycling. They both feature extensive trail networks, diverse ecosystems, and well-maintained paths suitable for cyclists.
Are there any touring cycling routes that pass by lakes?
Yes, several routes incorporate lakes into their paths. The Tinley Creek Forest Preserve – Turtlehead Lake loop from 143rd Street (Orland Park) specifically winds around Turtlehead Lake, offering tranquil lakeside views.
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