Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail
Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail
Road cycling
5.0
(13)
This Highlight goes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Westchester Woods
Brezina Woods
26th Street Woods
Tips
January 13, 2024
Road cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail
2.7
(3)
11
riders
This moderate 68.2-mile road cycling loop from Chicago explores Calumet Beach, Sag Valley Forest Preserve, and the Salt Creek Trail.
1
riders
87.0km
03:43
150m
160m
Embark on a scenic road cycling adventure through the Salt Creek and Busse Woods Trail Loop, a moderate 54.0 miles (87.0 km) journey with a gentle 508 feet (155 metres) of elevation gain. This route guides you through diverse landscapes, from the mature hardwood forests and wetlands of Busse Woods to the meandering, wooded banks of Salt Creek. You'll enjoy continuous paved paths, often passing by the expansive Busse Lake and even catching a glimpse of the resident elk herd, making for a truly engaging ride that takes approximately 3 hours and 43 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is largely accessible and well-maintained, making it a favorite for families and casual cyclists. However, its popularity means it can get busy, especially on weekends, so an early start might offer a more serene experience. The extensive network of trails and overpass bridges ensures a smooth, uninterrupted ride, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.
What truly sets this trail apart is its blend of accessibility and natural immersion within a substantial network. The connection between the Salt Creek Trail and Busse Woods creates a vast recreational area, offering over 40 miles of riding through Cook and DuPage Counties. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a longer, yet not overly strenuous, ride with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting and enjoying varied natural scenery.
55.4km
02:13
100m
100m
This 34.4-mile (55.4 km) loop, with a modest 343 feet (104 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 13 minutes, offers a moderate cycling experience through a blend of natural environments. You'll traverse the well-maintained Salt Creek Trail with its wooded sections and then connect to the Des Plaines River Trail, which winds through forest preserves, prairies, and wetlands, offering glimpses of deer and other wildlife. The scenery is a welcome escape from urban surroundings, providing a continuous green corridor.
Planning for this Salt Creek Des Plaines River Trail loop cycling route means being ready for varied surfaces. While parts are paved, the Des Plaines River Trail includes crushed stone, dirt, and even rougher sections, particularly south of Lawrence Avenue. This mixed terrain means a hybrid or gravel bike is often more suitable than a traditional road bike with narrow tires, as some areas can be bone-jarring or even flooded after heavy rains.
Both the Salt Creek and Des Plaines River Trails are integral parts of a larger, interconnected trail network in northeast Illinois, making this a significant long-distance cycling adventure. The Des Plaines River Trail alone stretches over 56 miles, serving as a vital natural oasis, while the Salt Creek Trail connects to major attractions like Busse Woods, showcasing the region's commitment to extensive recreational opportunities.
Details
Informations
Distance 3.45 km
Uphill 10 m
Downhill 10 m
Weather
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Saturday 22 August
28°C
19°C
35 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h
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