The best road cycling routes around Downers Grove
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Road cycling around Downers Grove, Illinois, is characterized by its extensive network of paved trails winding through suburban landscapes, green farmland, and natural preserves. The region features a mix of woodlands, meadows, and urban areas, offering varied scenery for cyclists. Gentle elevation changes are present, with some routes traversing glacially deposited hills and along creeks and rivers. The area provides accessible road cycling routes suitable for various preferences.
Best road cycling routes around Downers Grove
- The most popular road cycling route is Centennial Trail loop from Fairview Avenue, a 32.8 miles (52.7 km) trail that takes 2 hours 27 minutes to complete. This moderate route traverses green farmland and follows local waterways.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Centennial Trail – Prince Pond loop from Fairview Avenue, a moderate 69.2 miles (111.3 km) path. This route offers a longer ride through diverse landscapes, including urban areas and natural settings.
- Local road cyclists also love the Centennial Trail – Centennial Trail loop from Belmont, a 39.9 miles (64.2 km) trail leading through suburban and natural areas, often completed in about 3 hours 13 minutes.
- Road cycling around Downers Grove is defined by extensive paved trail systems, forest preserves, and suburban green spaces. The network offers options for different ability levels, from shorter, easier loops to longer, moderate rides.
- The routes in Downers Grove are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 60 reviews. More than 1,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Downers Grove's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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52.7km
02:27
180m
180m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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8
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111km
04:44
620m
620m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.0
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9
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64.1km
03:08
260m
260m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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68.1km
03:03
300m
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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53.7km
02:28
230m
230m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Lake Harriet Park in Lemont, Illinois, is a small, peaceful neighborhood park tucked between residential streets and a pond. It features a paved walking path around the lake, a small fishing dock, benches, and open green space. There are no restrooms, but the park offers a calm, scenic spot for walking, relaxing, or enjoying a bit of suburban wildlife.
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The multi-use Veterans Memorial Trail connects or intersects with a number of other area trails, allowing you to ride, uninterrupted for miles. It also passes through Black Partridge Woods and Wood Ridge Forest Preserves.
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The east shore of Saganashkee Slough in the Palos Forest Preserves offers a popular walking, biking, and fishing spot. Visitors can spot all sorts of birds, including loons, herons, and grebes. The 377-acre lake has trails as well as places to sit and relax.
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West Branch Riverway Forest Preserve features shaded trails and a route alongside the West Branch DuPage River. It's a quiet, straightforward spot for a relaxing ride or a short break.
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Knock Knolls Park is a beautiful green space in Naperville. The West Branch of the DuPage River cuts through the north part of the park and is popular for fishing and boating. There are also miles of trails to choose from, including a section of the paved DuPage River Trail.
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The DuPage River Trail spans over 30 miles across DuPage and Will counties. It is a fantastic flat paved multi-use trail with several access points, making it an ideal alternative to the busy streets in the city. There are plenty of picturesque sections along the pathway as it passes by scenic parks, beautiful woodlands, and rolling hills. The trail also connects to the Illinois Prairie Path, Southern DuPage Regional Trail, and the Tall Grass Greenway Trail, which offers multiple options for an extended ride.
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The Vermont Cemetery Preserve spans 38 acres, is part of the DuPage River preservation system to protect the prairie habitat, and was once a burial site for early settlers of Wheatland Township. This area includes an overlook of the historic cemetery prairie and is home to the federally threatened and state-endangered Mead's milkweed. This location provides access to the 4.04-mile Tall Grass Greenway Trail and the 2.68-mile Normantown Trail, both ideal for biking, hiking, running, inline skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
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Prince Pond is the center of Prince Park in the middle of Downtown Downers Grove. This is a peaceful spot in an urban setting, and a great place to stop as you ride around the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Downers Grove?
There are 10 road cycling routes around Downers Grove listed in this guide, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored over 1,000 road cycling tours in the area.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Downers Grove?
Road cycling routes in Downers Grove feature extensive paved trails winding through suburban landscapes, green farmland, and natural preserves. You'll encounter a mix of woodlands, meadows, and urban areas. There are gentle elevation changes, with some routes traversing glacially deposited hills and following creeks and rivers.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the road cycling routes?
Many routes offer scenic views of natural features. For instance, the Centennial Trail loop from Fairview Avenue traverses green farmland and follows local waterways. You can also find highlights like the West Branch Riverway Forest Preserve and the Danada Forest Preserve nearby, offering glimpses of diverse ecosystems.
Are there any forest preserves accessible from the cycling routes?
Yes, Downers Grove is rich in forest preserves. While cycling, you might pass near areas like West Branch Riverway Forest Preserve or Danada Forest Preserve. The region itself boasts Hidden Lake Forest Preserve and Lyman Woods, which feature oak savannas, prairies, and marshes, though direct cycling access varies.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Downers Grove?
The road cycling routes in Downers Grove are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive paved trail systems and the varied scenery that blends natural settings with suburban areas.
Are there family-friendly road cycling options in Downers Grove?
Yes, Downers Grove offers accessible road cycling routes suitable for various preferences, including easier options. The overall network provides options for different ability levels, making it possible to find routes suitable for families.
Are there easy road cycling routes for beginners?
Yes, there are 2 easy road cycling routes available in Downers Grove. These routes are designed to be less challenging, providing a good starting point for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride.
Where can I find parking for road cycling routes in Downers Grove?
Many road cycling routes in Downers Grove, particularly those starting from specific avenues like Fairview Avenue or Belmont, typically have accessible parking nearby. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for parking information at the starting points.
Are there any loop road cycling routes in Downers Grove?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Downers Grove are designed as loops. For example, the Centennial Trail – Centennial Trail loop from Belmont is a popular option, offering a circular journey through suburban and natural areas.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the cycling routes?
Downers Grove is a suburban area, so you'll find various cafes, restaurants, and shops within or near the village center and along some of the more urban sections of the cycling routes. Prince Pond, located in Prince Park in downtown Downers Grove, offers a peaceful spot amidst an urban setting, which could be a good break point.
What are some scenic road cycling routes in the area?
The Centennial Trail – Prince Pond loop from Fairview Avenue offers a longer ride through diverse landscapes, including urban areas and natural settings, providing varied scenery. Routes traversing green farmland and following local waterways, such as the Knock Knolls Park – DuPage River Trail loop from Belmont, are also known for their scenic beauty.
How long do road cycling routes in Downers Grove typically take?
The duration of road cycling routes in Downers Grove varies. For instance, a moderate route like the Centennial Trail loop from Fairview Avenue takes approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes to complete, while longer routes can extend to over 4 hours, such as the Centennial Trail – Prince Pond loop from Fairview Avenue.
What are some longer road cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced riders seeking a longer challenge, the Centennial Trail – Prince Pond loop from Fairview Avenue is a moderate 69.2-mile (111.3 km) path that offers an extensive ride through diverse landscapes. Another option is the Knock Knolls Park – DuPage River Trail loop from Belmont, which covers 68.1 miles (109.6 km).
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