Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve – Buffalo Creek Reservoir loop from Rolling Meadows
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve – Buffalo Creek Reservoir loop from Rolling Meadows
3.5
(12)
45
riders
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve – Buffalo Creek Reservoir loop from Rolling Meadows
01:45
24.9km
70m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 12.0 km for 61 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
11.4 km
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
11.7 km
Buffalo Creek Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
12.3 km
Bench With View of Buffalo Creek Reservoir
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
24.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
8.73 km
8.10 km
3.83 km
2.55 km
1.61 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
12.6 km
7.90 km
3.97 km
404 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Saturday 27 June
23°C
15°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 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 a scenic and relatively flat road cycling route that offers a peaceful escape from the suburbs, the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve – Buffalo Creek Reservoir loop from Rolling Meadows is worth considering. This moderate 15.5-mile (24.9 km) route features a gentle 240 feet (73 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It's an excellent choice for cyclists with gravel bikes or road bikes equipped with wider tires, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and accessible riding.
What to expect on Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve – Buffalo Creek Reservoir loop from Rolling Meadows
As you cycle this loop, you'll journey through a landscape of restored prairies and wetlands, offering a refreshing change of scenery. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, but be prepared for approximately 5.5 miles of crushed limestone and gravel surfaces within the preserve itself. While this makes for an easy ride for those with appropriate tires, it's an important consideration for traditional road bikes with very narrow tires. You'll skirt the picturesque Buffalo Creek Reservoir, a central feature that adds to the area's natural beauty and wetland allure, providing a serene backdrop to your ride. This route is best suited for those seeking a relaxed, scenic outing rather than a high-speed road cycling challenge.
Planning your visit
The Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve is conveniently located within bustling suburbs, making it an accessible option for a quick nature break. There are multiple access points for cyclists, though specific parking details for the Rolling Meadows start point aren't provided, general access is straightforward. Since the trails are multi-use, you'll be sharing them with walkers, runners, and cross-country skiers, so always be mindful of other users. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for cycling this route, making it an easy-to-plan outing.
Trail details
- Distance: 15.5 miles (24.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 240 feet (73 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 45 minutes
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