The best cycling routes around Bensenville

The Camp Pine Woods Preserve – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Schiller Park offers a rewarding touring cycling experience, immersing you in a diverse natural landscape right in Cook County, Illinois. You'll pedal through a mosaic of oak-hickory woodlands, maple forests, prairies, and wetlands, all following the Des Plaines River. Expect varied terrain, from crushed limestone to packed dirt and rougher unpaved sections with roots and rocks, especially in the more natural Cook County stretch. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and hawks as you traverse this green corridor.

This moderate 29.1-mile (46.8 km) loop, with a gentle 220 feet (67 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 51 minutes. It's best suited for cyclists with good fitness and a hybrid, gravel, or mountain bike due to the varied surfaces. Be sure to check trail conditions before you go, as underpasses can flood after heavy rains, potentially blocking your path. Spring and summer are particularly pleasant for this ride.

Beyond the ride itself, the Camp Pine Woods Forest Preserve section has historical ties to a former WWII POW camp, adding a layer of interest to your journey. The Des Plaines River Trail system is extensive, connecting numerous forest preserves and offering a vital natural escape within the greater Chicago metropolitan area. It's a fantastic way to experience the region's ecosystems and spot wildlife.

This touring cycling route offers a pleasant journey through varied landscapes, primarily utilizing sections of the Illinois Prairie Path. You'll encounter a mix of paved paths, crushed limestone, and gravel surfaces as you pedal through greenbelts and past municipal parks. Keep an eye out for the Keith A. Olson Prairie in Elmhurst, a notable segment of original prairie, and enjoy the ample shade and potential for small wildlife sightings.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the trails are well-maintained and open from sunrise to sunset. You can find convenient amenities like drinking fountains at W.W. Stevens Park. The route's location near Elmhurst and Wheaton means easy access to urban services and parking, making it a hassle-free outing.

The Rathje Park – W.W. Stevens Park loop from Elmhurst is a moderate 23.6-mile (37.9 km) touring cycling route with a gentle 336 feet (103 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 20 minutes. It's a fantastic option for cyclists of all skill levels, offering a taste of the pioneering rails-to-trails movement and connecting you to a wider network of paths in DuPage County.

This easy touring cycling loop offers a delightful ride through the Elmhurst area, connecting local trails with the serene park settings. You'll pedal past segments of rare prairie, including the Great Western Prairie, and enjoy views of wooded areas and natural habitats, possibly encountering lakes and picnic spots within parks like Terrace View Park in Lombard. The terrain is largely flat to gently rolling, making for a comfortable 16.0-mile (25.8 km) journey.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the paths are well-maintained and accessible from various points. While specific parking for the A – Terrace View Park view loop from Elmhurst touring cycling route isn't detailed, local parks generally offer facilities. This easy route, with only 183 feet (56 metres) of elevation gain, is suitable for all skill levels and can be completed in approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, ideal for a leisurely outing.

The Elmhurst area is renowned for its extensive network of trails, including the historically significant Illinois Prairie Path, the first successful rail-to-trail conversion in the U.S. This loop taps into that network, offering a glimpse into the region's ecological importance with its preserved prairie segments and connecting to larger systems like the Salt Creek Greenway Trail, providing a rich, accessible cycling experience.