The best cycling routes around Deerfield
4.6
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If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Deerfield, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many trails and paths, it's hard to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes, and we've distilled all that local knowledge into a curated shortlist of the very best. We're here to save you the guesswork and point you straight to the rides that deliver.
Touring cycling around Deerfield is all about embracing the region's unique blend of river corridors, expansive forest preserves, and dedicated bikeway networks. You'll find predominantly flat to gently rolling terrain here, making it accessible for a wide range of abilities. The routes often follow the scenic Des Plaines River, connecting various natural areas and offering a pleasant mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. It's a landscape designed for relaxed exploration and enjoying nature on two wheels.
If you only do one ride, we'd start with the Des Plaines River Trail – Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds loop from Wheeling. At 24.9 miles (40.0 km), it's the most popular touring cycling route for a reason, connecting beautiful sections of the Des Plaines River Trail with serene forest preserve ponds. For another top favorite that offers stunning views, check out the Skokie Lagoons – North Branch Trail loop from Braeside, a moderate 26.6 miles (42.7 km) path that truly showcases the area's natural beauty. With over 580 touring cyclists having used komoot to explore Deerfield, and routes averaging 4.6 stars from over 115 reviews, you can trust you're in good hands.
Last updated: May 29, 2026
5.0
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This touring cycling route on the Des Plaines River Trail offers a delightful escape into nature, tracing the river through a mosaic of woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. You'll pass through the Half Day Forest Preserve, known for its 3-acre fishing pond and connection to Wright Woods Forest Preserve, providing picturesque views and ample opportunities for wildlife spotting, including deer and various bird species. The trail surface varies, with well-maintained crushed gravel in Lake County sections, but also some dirt and roots, making it an engaging ride for a hybrid or gravel bike.
Planning your ride on this moderate 24.9-mile (40.0 km) loop from Wheeling, which involves 225 feet (69 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 3 hours and 12 minutes, is straightforward. Access points are plentiful at various forest preserves, including Half Day Forest Preserve, which also features picnic shelters and a playground. Keep in mind that underpasses along the trail can flood after heavy rains, so checking current conditions is a good idea. The trail is well-served with amenities like restrooms and picnic areas.
The Des Plaines River Trail is a significant multi-use pathway, protecting critical watershed habitat and forestland across Lake and Cook Counties, and has earned a National Recreation Trail designation. This particular Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds loop from Wheeling is considered a more accessible section of the larger trail system, making it a family-friendly option. Beyond the cycling, the preserve offers open playfields and fishing, enhancing its appeal as a recreational hub.
5.0
(9)
21
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43.2km
02:31
130m
130m
The Small Lake – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Fort Sheridan offers a diverse touring cycling experience, blending long stretches of smooth, flat asphalt with more natural, picturesque sections. You'll glide along the Skokie Valley Trail, which, despite some industrial views, can surprise you with tree-lined corridors and wildlife sightings like deer and hawks. The route truly shines as it connects to Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve and Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, providing refreshing natural beauty and potential viewpoints overlooking Lake Michigan.
This moderate 26.9-mile (43.2 km) route, with a gentle 422 feet (128 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 31 minutes to complete. Parking is readily available at Fort Sheridan, making it a convenient starting point. While the Skokie Valley Bikeway terrain is mostly easy, be mindful of several well-marked road crossings that require caution, and consider bringing water as amenities can be spaced out.
What makes this loop stand out is its ability to connect multiple regional trails, acting as a crucial link for longer rides and making it one of the best touring cycling routes near Fort Sheridan for those seeking distance. It's an excellent choice for cyclists who prioritize logging miles and enjoying varied scenery without the challenge of significant climbs, offering a pleasant blend of open trail and natural preserves.
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5.0
(22)
47
riders
42.8km
02:29
60m
60m
The Skokie Lagoons – North Branch Trail loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, guiding you through a lush tapestry of forests, open meadows, and the serene Skokie Lagoons. You'll pedal along the North Branch of the Chicago River and the Skokie River on predominantly paved asphalt paths, enjoying about 75% shade on your journey. The eastern side of the Skokie Lagoons provides superior views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a truly scenic ride.
This moderate 26.6-mile (42.8 km) route, with a gentle 206 feet (63 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing, typically taking around 2 hours and 29 minutes. It's an excellent choice for family friendly cycling near Skokie Lagoons, with easy access from the Braeside Metra station. Remember to take advantage of the direct connection to the Chicago Botanic Garden for a unique mid-ride stop.
Beyond the beautiful scenery, the Skokie Lagoons area is a haven for wildlife spotting, with over 250 bird species reported, thanks to significant conservation efforts from the 1930s. You might even spot deer along the way. The extensive North Branch Trail system also connects to other paths, like the Green Bay Trail, offering options for longer adventures if you wish to extend your ride.
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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62.7km
04:46
140m
140m
The Des Plaines River Trail loop from Wheeling offers a scenic touring bicycle experience, winding through a natural oasis of woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. You'll find varied surfaces, from crushed limestone to paved sections, and enjoy river views and wildlife sightings, especially around forest preserves like Independence Grove. It's a moderate 39.0-mile (62.7 km) route with 459 feet (140 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Planning your ride requires checking current trail conditions, as underpasses are known to flood after heavy rains, potentially making parts impassable. Wheeling is a good starting point for this route. For the most vibrant scenery, consider cycling in the fall when the landscape bursts with color.
This trail is often called "Nature's Highway" and is a significant recreational asset, protecting land and water while serving as a haven for wildlife. It connects to other trails like the North Shore Bike Path, offering a broader network for exploration. The numerous underpasses and bridges minimize interactions with busy roads, enhancing the cycling experience.
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Tips from the Community
This forest preserve offers a quiet escape from the city with a good selection of trails. All the trails are well marked and well maintained. You can also connect to the Des Plains River Trail to explore further afield.
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This stretch of the Des Plaines River Trail at Cahokia Flatwoods Forest Preserve guides hikers through a serene woodland, with a dirt path winding under tall oaks and maples. Surrounded by green undergrowth and dappled sunlight, it’s a peaceful escape near the river
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This bronze sculpture is a tribute to General Sheridan, a Civil War general. It depicts him on a horse during Battle of Five Forks in April 1865.
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MacArthur Woods is a preserved forest that showcases the original landscape of the eastern Des Plaines River Valley. The area features a diverse mix of plants, creating an important habitat for breeding forest birds, including the brown creeper, red-shouldered hawk, broad-winged hawk, veery, pileated woodpecker, and several rare warblers.
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Here you will find a gorgeous network of flat, crushed gravel trails that connect with the Des Plaines River Trail and other nearby preserves. The trails take you around scenic ponds, by picnic areas, and through the woods. This is a great place to see birds who use the ponds as migratory stops.
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You can follow the trail for 56 miles along the Des Plaines River with gorgeous views of local preserves, watersheds, forests, and marshes. The trail is wide packed gravel and shared with hikers and the occasional horseback rider. Here your pass through the County Forest Preserve which has its own scenic trail network.
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The Des Plaines River Trail stretches over 56 miles along the Des Plaines River, offering a scenic natural escape through Lake and Cook Counties, just outside Chicago. This multi-use trail features a mix of surfaces, including pavement, crushed stone, and single-track forest paths, making for an exciting and varied biking experience. The northern sections are well-maintained and popular, while the southern portions become narrower and more rugged. This particular portion of the Des Plaines River Trail passes through Half Day Forest Preserve with nice views of the river and several ponds.
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Des Plaines River Trail is a popular 2 mile popular gravel trail located near Mettawa, Illinois, that runs largely along the water. It is popular with cyclists, walkers, runners, and the occasional horseback rider.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Deerfield?
Deerfield offers a good selection of touring cycling routes, with over 45 options available. These include 29 easy routes and 18 moderate routes, catering to various skill levels.
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Deerfield?
The touring cycling routes in Deerfield are predominantly easy to moderate. You'll find 29 easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride, and 18 moderate routes for those looking for a bit more challenge. There are no routes classified as difficult in this area.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Deerfield's touring cycling routes?
The routes around Deerfield feature a landscape characterized by river corridors, extensive forest preserves, and dedicated bikeway networks. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, with a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, often following the Des Plaines River.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Deerfield?
Yes, many of Deerfield's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. For example, the Skokie Lagoons – North Branch Trail loop from Fort Sheridan and the Small Lake – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Fort Sheridan are popular circular options.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Deerfield?
The touring cycling routes in Deerfield are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 90 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic river trails, well-maintained bikeways, and the peaceful atmosphere of the forest preserves.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Deerfield?
Given the predominantly easy and moderate terrain, many of Deerfield's 29 easy routes are suitable for families. These routes often follow dedicated bikeways and forest preserve paths, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. Consider routes that stick to the main bikeway networks for the smoothest ride.
What are some scenic viewpoints or natural attractions along the touring cycling routes?
Along Deerfield's touring cycling routes, you can explore several natural attractions. The Skokie Lagoon No. 3 and Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds offer beautiful waterside views. You might also pass through areas like MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve or Dam Number 1 Woods, providing a pleasant natural backdrop to your ride.
Where can I find parking or trailheads for touring cycling in Deerfield?
Many touring cycling routes in Deerfield start from or pass through various forest preserves and parks, which typically offer parking facilities. For instance, routes like the Des Plaines River Trail – Dam Number 1 Woods loop from Buffalo Grove often have designated parking areas at their starting points or nearby access points to the trail network.
Can I access Deerfield's touring cycling routes using public transport?
While direct public transport access to every trailhead might vary, Deerfield is served by Metra commuter rail, which can provide access to the general area. From train stations, you may need to cycle a short distance to reach the main bikeway networks like the Des Plaines River Trail or Skokie Valley Bikeway. Check local transit schedules for specific connections.
Are there any touring cycling routes that connect to the Skokie Valley Bikeway?
Yes, the Skokie Valley Bikeway is a key part of the touring cycling network in Deerfield. Routes like the Small Lake – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Fort Sheridan and the Skokie Valley Bikeway – Green Bay Trail loop from Lake Forest directly incorporate sections of this popular bikeway, offering smooth and scenic rides.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Deerfield?
The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Deerfield. Spring brings blooming nature, while summer provides warm weather. Autumn is particularly scenic with changing foliage. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can vary.
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