The best traffic-free bike rides around Vernon Hills
4.8
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No traffic touring cycling routes around Vernon Hills, Illinois, traverse a landscape characterized by extensive forest preserves, river corridors, and numerous lakes. The terrain is largely flat to gently rolling, offering accessible paths for various skill levels. Well-maintained trails often follow the Des Plaines River and loop around significant natural features like Independence Grove Lake and Half Day Lake. This region provides a network of dedicated paths through woodlands and open areas, ideal for touring cyclists seeking routes away from…
Last updated: May 28, 2026
5.0
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38
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51.9km
04:20
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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9.13km
00:33
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
9
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Lake at Independence Grove is a must-visit stop along the Des Plaines River Trail, offering cyclists a scenic and easy ride through a 115-acre retreat. Once a gravel quarry, this reclaimed space now features smooth paths, gentle terrain, and beautiful lake views—perfect for beginners and family-friendly outings. Visit in the spring, and you might spot colorful wildflowers adding even more charm to this peaceful ride.
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The Lake at Independence Grove, a highlight along the Des Plaines River Trail, offers hikers a scenic 115-acre retreat within a reclaimed gravel quarry. If you're visiting in the spring, you may be able to spot colorful warblers along the surrounding woodlands!
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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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Century Park Arboretum offers a diverse outdoor experience with two lakes and 2.7 miles of walking/bike paths. Encompassing 113 acres, including 54 acres of water, the park features three ball fields, a basketball court on the north end, a volleyball court, and exercise stations along the paths. Visitors can enjoy fishing, cross-country skiing, outdoor ice skating in the man-made rink, and engage in activities like horseshoe and Bocce ball on the designated courts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Vernon Hills?
There are 18 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Vernon Hills. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews.
What is the general terrain like for touring cyclists in Vernon Hills?
The terrain in Vernon Hills is largely flat or gently rolling, making it accessible for cyclists of varying skill levels. Many routes feature well-maintained paths that traverse forest preserves, run alongside the Des Plaines River, and loop around local lakes, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Are there easy no-traffic touring routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Vernon Hills offers 9 easy no-traffic touring routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Century Park Arboretum loop from Vernon Hills, which is just over 9 km long and offers scenic views around Big Bear Lake and Little Bear Lake.
What can I see along the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Vernon Hills?
Many routes pass through beautiful natural areas and offer views of significant landmarks. You can explore places like Independence Grove Lake, the MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve, and the Des Plaines River bridge. The Des Plaines River Trail – Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds loop from Mettawa, for example, takes you past the scenic Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring routes in Vernon Hills?
Yes, many of the no-traffic routes in Vernon Hills are designed as loops. A popular moderate option is the Independence Grove Lake – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Vernon Hills, which covers over 50 km and offers diverse scenery.
Are the no-traffic bike trails in Vernon Hills paved or off-road?
Vernon Hills offers a mix of well-maintained paved paths and natural trails. Many of the primary touring routes, especially those through forest preserves and along the Des Plaines River, feature paved surfaces, making them suitable for touring bikes. Some areas within the forest preserves may offer natural paths for a different experience.
What is the best season for no-traffic bike touring in Vernon Hills?
The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for no-traffic bike touring in Vernon Hills. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, and fall showcases vibrant foliage. While some trails may be accessible in winter, conditions can vary with snow and ice.
Are there any dog-friendly no-traffic touring bike trails?
Many of the multi-use trails in Vernon Hills' forest preserves are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. It's always a good idea to check specific preserve rules before heading out, but generally, you'll find plenty of options to enjoy with your canine companion on the traffic-free paths.
Where can I find parking for no-traffic touring bike trails in Vernon Hills?
Most major forest preserves and parks that serve as trailheads for no-traffic routes offer ample parking. For example, Independence Grove Forest Preserve and Century Park have designated parking areas that provide convenient access to the trail network.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the no-traffic bike trails?
The forest preserves and natural areas around Vernon Hills are home to diverse wildlife. Cyclists often spot various bird species, including nesting forest birds, as well as small mammals like squirrels and rabbits. Keep an eye out for deer, especially during dawn and dusk, and enjoy the natural beauty of the woodlands and savannas.
Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments near the no-traffic bike trails?
While the routes themselves focus on natural, traffic-free environments, many trails pass near or through areas with amenities. For instance, Independence Grove Forest Preserve has a cafe, and Century Park is close to local establishments in Vernon Hills where you can find refreshments and dining options.
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