The best cycling routes around Summit

The Salt Creek – Brookfield Woods loop from LaGrange Road offers a delightful touring cycling experience through varied natural landscapes in the western suburbs of Chicago. You'll follow the scenic Salt Creek, passing through shaded canopies, open prairies, and savannas, with highlights like Brookfield Woods and Fullersburg Woods. The trail is a moderate 23.1-mile (37.2 km) ride, featuring mostly paved surfaces with some crushed limestone sections, and is generally flat with easy gradients.

Planning your visit is straightforward for this 2-hour and 16-minute loop. While the trail is well-maintained, it's worth noting that some underpasses can flood after heavy rains, so checking conditions beforehand is a good idea. The route is popular with bikers, walkers, and joggers, and is designed for a relaxed pace, making it accessible for most fitness levels.

This trail is part of a larger 210-mile integrated network, offering excellent connectivity to other major trails in northeast Illinois. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer and herons, as you cycle through the various forest preserves. A unique landmark along the route is the Brookfield Zoo, adding an interesting point of interest to your journey.

If you're looking for a varied touring cycling experience near Brookfield, the Salt Creek – Brookfield Woods loop delivers a pleasant journey through diverse natural landscapes. You'll pedal along the winding Salt Creek waterway, passing through peaceful woodlands and forest preserves, with chances to spot local wildlife like deer and herons. The 28.3-mile (45.5 km) route combines paved paths with crushed limestone and some unpaved sections, offering a moderate challenge with a gentle 252 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 42 minutes to complete.

Before you go, be aware of a significant ongoing closure on the Salt Creek Trail under the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) between Ogden Avenue and 31st Street, expected until December 2026, with no designated detours. The trail is multi-use with a 15 mph speed limit, and you'll encounter road crossings and underpasses that can flood. Checking the Forest Preserves of Cook County's trail page for current conditions is highly recommended.

This loop is a key part of a larger 210-mile integrated trail network in northeast Illinois, connecting to routes like the Illinois Prairie Path. It also offers convenient access to the Brookfield Zoo, making it a great option for combining a ride with other activities. Parts of the trail system have a rich history, with some sections converted from old horse trails, adding a unique layer to your cycling adventure.

The Centennial Trail – Centennial Trail loop from Willow Springs offers a pleasant touring cycling experience, winding through heavily wooded sections and open prairie. You'll ride on a smooth, paved surface, often sandwiched between the Des Plaines River and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, providing varied scenery and opportunities for wildlife spotting. This moderate 29.1-mile (46.8 km) route, with a gentle 380 feet (116 metres) of elevation gain, is a great option for a relaxed ride, typically taking around 2 hours and 44 minutes.

When planning your ride, start at Columbia Woods in Willow Springs, where parking is available. Be sure to bring all the water you need, as there are no water sources along the trail, though toilets are located at the ends. The trail is well-maintained and features maps, making navigation straightforward for cyclists of all levels.

This loop is part of a larger network, connecting to the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail and the Veterans Memorial Trail. The area holds historical significance, particularly along the I&M Canal, with markers explaining the region's past. While mostly natural, be aware that some segments pass through industrial areas, and a short section may require riding on Canal Bank Road.

The La Grange Park Woods – Salt Creek Woods loop from Westchester is a wonderfully accessible touring cycling route, offering a peaceful escape into nature. As you pedal, you'll wind through lush wooded areas and alongside the scenic Salt Creek, with opportunities to observe local wildlife in places like Salt Creek Woods Nature Preserve. The trail's flat terrain, a mix of paved and crushed gravel surfaces, makes for a smooth and enjoyable ride, perfect for a leisurely outing.

This easy 7.0-mile (11.3 km) loop, with a minimal 73 feet (22 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 37 minutes to complete. While the trails are generally well-maintained, be aware that underpasses near major roads like I-294 can flood after heavy rains. Also, plan for potential intermittent closures under the I-294 bridge due to construction until December 2026, which might require slight detours.

This route is a key part of a larger, interconnected network of cycling routes in northeastern Illinois, linking to other regional trails like the Illinois Prairie Path. It's an excellent choice for family-friendly bike trails near Westchester, providing a chance to explore the natural features of the Salt Creek Woods forest preserve. The trail's popularity means some sections can be busy, so be mindful of other cyclists and walkers.

The Saganashkee Slough – Cal-Sag Trail loop from Willow Springs offers a delightful touring bicycle experience, covering 18.8 miles (30.3 km) with a minimal 142 feet (43 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy ride that takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. You'll pedal through the serene Palos Forest Preserves, enjoying views of the Saganashkee Slough, a peaceful man-made lake, and the Cal-Sag Channel. The route combines smooth paved sections with some unpaved and gravel paths, providing a varied and engaging ride through woodlands and open areas.

To plan your visit, consider starting from Willow Springs, where parking is typically available. The Cal-Sag Trail is well-marked, making navigation straightforward. While generally flat, the route does include some gently rolling terrain and small inclines, which add interest without being overly challenging. This loop is particularly enjoyable during spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its best.

This trail loop is a key part of the larger Cal-Sag Trail network, which aims to connect multiple communities and extensive multi-use trails, creating over 100 miles of interconnected routes. The Palos Forest Preserves, through which you'll ride, are the largest concentration of preserved land in Cook County, known for their ecological significance and ongoing habitat restoration efforts. It's a great option for those seeking a family-friendly cycling route near Willow Springs.