The best road cycling routes around Hinsdale

There are over 40 road cycling routes around Hinsdale, offering a diverse range of options for cyclists. These routes are well-suited for exploring the picturesque, tree-lined streets and connecting to the broader network of forest preserves in the area.

Yes, Hinsdale offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. Out of the over 40 routes, 16 are classified as easy, featuring relatively flat terrain and mostly paved surfaces. A great option for an easy ride is the Prince Pond loop from Western Springs, which is 16.9 miles long and offers a gentle ride through suburban areas and green spaces.

Road cycling routes around Hinsdale are generally characterized by gentle rolling terrain, with many featuring mostly paved surfaces. While some routes offer minimal elevation gain, others, like the Keepataw Reserve loop from Highlands, include moderate elevation changes, providing a varied experience. The region's proximity to forest preserves also means scenic backdrops with tree-lined paths.

Yes, many road cycling routes around Hinsdale are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Eldridge Lagoon loop from Western Springs, a 26.2-mile route, and the Water fountain loop from Stone Avenue, which spans over 31 miles. These loops often wind through local communities and natural areas.

The Hinsdale area is rich in natural beauty. You can enjoy scenic views along the Salt Creek Greenway Trail, which offers miles of picturesque paths. For a notable natural feature, consider cycling near Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, which features a beautiful waterfall and diverse landscapes. Additionally, the Brookfield Woods area provides a lovely backdrop for rides.

For more advanced riders seeking longer excursions, Hinsdale offers several moderate routes. The Keepataw Reserve loop from Highlands is a popular choice, covering 37.9 miles with moderate elevation gain. Other options include the Columbia Woods – Centennial Trail loop from Burr Ridge, which is a 52.0 km ride requiring good fitness, and various loops from Clarendon Hills and Willow Springs that can offer up to 140m of elevation gain.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Hinsdale, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the area's well-maintained parks, tree-lined streets, and access to extensive forest preserves. The variety of routes, from easy community loops to longer excursions, is also frequently highlighted as a positive aspect.

Yes, Hinsdale is very family-friendly for road biking. The village has a designated bike route, approximately 10 miles long, that winds through the community and past many of its parks, utilizing existing streets. Parks like Katherine Legge Memorial Park, Robbins Park, and Burns Field also offer well-maintained paths suitable for leisurely family rides.

Absolutely. The Salt Creek Greenway Trail is a prominent feature, providing miles of scenic paved paths ideal for biking and connecting several communities in the western suburbs. You can also access parts of the Centennial Trail, such as the Cal-Sag Trail, which offers additional cycling opportunities.

Beyond the natural beauty, you might encounter various points of interest. The Brookfield Woods area is a pleasant spot, and the Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail itself is a significant landmark for cyclists. For a unique sight, the Sawmill Creek Bridge within Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is also a notable feature.

Many parks and forest preserves in and around Hinsdale offer designated parking areas that serve as convenient trailheads for cyclists. For instance, Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and Katherine Legge Memorial Park are popular spots with parking, providing easy access to local routes and connections to larger trail systems.

While many routes are mostly paved and suitable for road bikes, some longer options, like the Columbia Woods – Centennial Trail loop from Burr Ridge, may include some unpaved sections. It's always a good idea to check the route details on komoot if you prefer exclusively paved surfaces for your road bike.