The best road cycling routes around Des Plaines

There are over 50 road cycling routes available around Des Plaines, offering a variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored more than 890 road cycling tours in the area.

For an easy and accessible ride, consider the Skokie Lagoons – Skokie Lagoon No. 3 loop from Golf. This 24.1-mile route offers gentle terrain through the scenic Skokie Lagoons area. Another great option is the Busse Woods Paved Trail – Busse Woods Reservoir Bridge loop from Arlington Heights, which is 20.8 miles and takes you through the beautiful Busse Woods.

Yes, for a more extended ride, the Skokie Lagoons – Skokie Lagoon No. 3 loop from Norwood Park is a moderate 54.9-mile path that connects various natural areas with varied terrain, providing a good challenge for experienced cyclists.

Many of the road cycling routes in Des Plaines are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Caldwell Woods – Edgebrook Woods loop from Glenview and the North Branch Trail – Harms Woods Preserve loop from Niles, which offer convenient circular paths through natural settings.

Road cycling routes in Des Plaines primarily follow the Des Plaines River and connect numerous forest preserves, offering a green environment with diverse natural features. You'll encounter tranquil river valleys, prairies, savannas, and woodlands. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as deer, beaver, herons, and various bird species, including bald eagles and sandhill cranes.

Yes, the routes often pass through or near significant natural attractions. You can explore areas like the Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), which features a unique elk pasture, or the serene Busse Lake — North and Main Pools. Other notable spots include Caldwell Woods and Harms Woods Preserve, both offering beautiful forest landscapes.

Yes, many of the major trailheads and forest preserves in the Des Plaines area offer designated parking facilities. For instance, the Des Plaines River Trail, Busse Woods, Skokie Lagoons, and Caldwell Woods all have accessible parking areas, making it convenient to start your ride.

Absolutely. The terrain around Des Plaines is generally flat, and many routes utilize dedicated multi-use paths, minimizing road crossings. This makes them ideal for family outings. The extensive network of trails through forest preserves provides a safe and enjoyable environment for cyclists of all ages.

June and July are particularly popular months for road cycling in Des Plaines due to favorable weather conditions. However, the extensive trail network can be enjoyed throughout the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the foliage offers beautiful scenery. Even in winter, some paved sections may be accessible, though conditions can vary.

The road cycling routes around Des Plaines are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 120 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive network of multi-use paths, the serene natural environment of the forest preserves, and the generally flat terrain that makes for enjoyable rides.

While the trails themselves wind through natural preserves, the Des Plaines area has various cafes, restaurants, and pubs in nearby towns and along main roads. You'll find options for refreshments and meals within a short distance of many trail access points, particularly near urban centers adjacent to the forest preserves.

Generally, the multi-use paths in the forest preserves around Des Plaines do not require specific cycling permits for recreational use. However, it's always advisable to check the specific rules and regulations of individual forest preserves or park districts (e.g., Cook County Forest Preserves, Lake County Forest Preserves) regarding trail etiquette, hours of operation, and any specific restrictions that might apply.