Northcroft Park – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Lake Bluff
Northcroft Park – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Lake Bluff
3.3
(29)
52
riders
Northcroft Park – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Lake Bluff
01:22
31.8km
90m
Road cycling
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Tips
The surface for a segment of your route may not be suitable
Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.
After 9.70 km for 170 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
9.80 km
Old School Forest Preserve
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
15.7 km
Captain Daniel Wright Woods Preserve
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
17.3 km
Grainger Woods Conservation Preserve
Forest
18.4 km
Everett Road Bike Path
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
22.8 km
Northcroft Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
24.7 km
Skokie Valley Bikeway
Highlight • Cycleway
31.8 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
14.2 km
11.7 km
4.38 km
1.41 km
231 m
Surfaces
23.5 km
7.95 km
209 m
184 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Sunday 21 June
17°C
13°C
94 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an easy, consistent road cycling route in the Lake Bluff area, the Northcroft Park – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Lake Bluff is a solid choice. This 19.8-mile (31.8 km) road cycling route is rated easy, with a minimal 289 feet (88 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes around 1 hour and 21 minutes to complete. It's perfect for casual rides, maintaining speed, or getting a good workout without significant climbs, making it one of the best beginner road cycling routes near Lake Bluff.
What to expect on Northcroft Park – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Lake Bluff
The route follows the Skokie Valley Bikeway, a well-maintained, smooth asphalt path that makes for excellent road cycling. As a rail-trail, it's notably flat and straight, with most major intersections handled by overpasses or underpasses, allowing you to keep a steady pace. While some sections parallel US 41 and active train tracks, bringing traffic noise, you'll still spot wildlife like rabbits, deer, and various bird species. Keep an eye out for a distinctive yellowish tunnel and a memorial along the way, and enjoy the more tree-lined stretches as you head south towards Highland Park. This easy terrain makes it suitable for cyclists of all fitness levels, especially those who appreciate a consistent, uninterrupted ride.
Planning your visit
This loop starts from Lake Bluff, but it's important to note that Northcroft Park itself is on a currently disconnected southern section of the Skokie Valley Trail. This means the named loop from Lake Bluff does not directly include Northcroft Park without navigating significant un-trailed sections. The trail is multi-use, so you'll be sharing the path with pedestrians and joggers. Given its flat profile, it's a great option for cycling throughout much of the year, though spring and fall offer particularly pleasant temperatures. Always carry enough water, especially during warmer months.
Trail details
- Distance: 19.8 miles (31.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 289 feet (88 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 21 minutes
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