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Routes

Mountain biking trails

United States

Illinois

Dupage County

St. James Farm Loop Trail

Routes

Mountain biking trails

United States

Illinois

Dupage County

St. James Farm Loop Trail

Easy

4.8

(5364)

18,627

riders

St. James Farm Loop Trail

Q: Is the St. James Farm Loop Trail suitable for beginners?

Yes, this trail is considered easy and is ideal for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. It features a 'green' climb difficulty rating and an 'easy' overall physical rating, with only about 12 meters (38 feet) of elevation gain.

Q: How long does it typically take to complete the loop?

The St. James Farm Loop Trail is approximately 6.3 kilometers (3.9 miles) long. Most mountain bikers can expect to complete the loop in about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on their pace.

Q: Where can I park to access the trail?

You can access the trail from the St. James Farm Forest Preserve, located in Warrenville, Illinois. The preserve offers designated parking areas for trail users.

Q: What kind of terrain can I expect on the trail?

The trail primarily consists of a multi-use gravel path, offering a smooth and straightforward ride. It is always easy to follow and can be ridden in both directions.

Q: What can I see along the route?

As you ride, you'll experience diverse scenery including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands, bordered by agricultural fields. The trail also passes by the St. James Farm Preserve , which features historical buildings and artwork. You'll also be on the St. James Farm Bike Trail for a significant portion of the route.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Yes, dogs are generally allowed in DuPage County Forest Preserves, including St. James Farm. They must be kept on a leash no longer than 10 feet and under control at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

Q: Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to use the preserve or trail?

Generally, there are no entrance fees or permits required for general use of the DuPage County Forest Preserves, including St. James Farm. However, it's always a good idea to check the official DuPage County Forest Preserve District website for any specific regulations or updates: dupagecounty.gov .

Q: What is the best time of year to mountain bike the St. James Farm Loop Trail?

The trail offers diverse scenery throughout the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, but be mindful of warmer weather. Winter can be an option for snowshoeing or Nordic skiing, but check trail conditions for mountain biking after snow.

Q: Does the trail connect to other paths?

Yes, the St. James Farm Loop Trail is part of a broader regional trail system. It connects to other trails within the preserve and will also connect to Cantigny Park via a new extension. The route also passes through sections of the Red Maple Allée, Illinois Prairie Path - Aurora Branch, Herrick Lake Regional Trail, and the West Branch DuPage River Trail.

Q: Are there any historical points of interest along the route?

Yes, the preserve itself has significant historical value. It was once a private estate of the McCormick family and features structures from late-1800 farmsteads and a German-style barn dating back to 1890, offering glimpses into the area's past.

00:26

6.34km

20m

Mountain biking

Mountain bike the easy St. James Farm Loop Trail, a 3.9-mile (6.3 km) route that takes about 26 minutes to complete. You will gain 77 feet (24 metres) in elevation as you ride through diverse landscapes. The trail winds through woodlands, prairies, and wetlands, offering a smooth gravel path. Keep an eye out for the historic German-style barn from 1890, a notable landmark from the McCormick family estate.

This easy route is perfect for beginners and families looking for a relaxed mountain biking experience. The St. James Farm Loop Trail is a popular multi-use path, so you will share it with hikers and equestrians. Parking is readily available within the St. James Farm Forest Preserve, making access straightforward. It's a great option for a quick outing when you want to get some fresh air.

Beyond the scenic ride, the trail offers a glimpse into local history and conservation efforts. You can observe ongoing prairie restoration projects and agricultural fields as you pedal along. The preserve spans over 100 acres, providing a rich natural setting for your ride. This route stands out for its blend of natural beauty and historical elements, making it a unique local gem.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.74 km

St. James Farm Preserve

Highlight • Historical Site

Step back in time as you explore the historic farmsteads dating to the late 1800s at this site. A rare gabled roof farmhouse remains, one of the last of its style in DuPage County, along with a massive wood-planked German barn dating back to 1890, if not earlier. The worn fieldstone foundation of another vintage barn can still be spotted. In the 1920s, Chauncey and Marion McCormick acquired the property, pursuing their passion for horses by building colonial style red brick stables with imported English iron posts. To support their award-winning herd of Guernsey cows, they constructed an innovative dairy barn with spacious stalls and various outbuildings that set the standard for Midwest farmers. Later, their son Brooks and wife Hope erected the indoor arena that hosted equestrian events and a therapeutic riding program. Today, this charming arena with idyllic river birch views can be rented out for small gatherings, letting you experience the rich agricultural history of this special place.

Tip by

4.01 km

St. James Farm Bike Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

St. James Farm Bike Trail is a wide gravel path that weaves through St. James Farm, passing natural beauties like forests, fields, and streams, as well as some interesting man-made features like the "Horse and Hound Cemetery", some naturally planted woods with trees all in a neat row, and even a railroad car on a display can be found on the north end of East Pond.

Tip by

6.34 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.37 km

1.92 km

843 m

161 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.51 km

1.41 km

848 m

535 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Sunday 24 May

25°C

14°C

81 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the St. James Farm Loop Trail suitable for beginners?

Yes, this trail is considered easy and is ideal for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. It features a 'green' climb difficulty rating and an 'easy' overall physical rating, with only about 12 meters (38 feet) of elevation gain.

How long does it typically take to complete the loop?

The St. James Farm Loop Trail is approximately 6.3 kilometers (3.9 miles) long. Most mountain bikers can expect to complete the loop in about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on their pace.

Where can I park to access the trail?

You can access the trail from the St. James Farm Forest Preserve, located in Warrenville, Illinois. The preserve offers designated parking areas for trail users.

What kind of terrain can I expect on the trail?

The trail primarily consists of a multi-use gravel path, offering a smooth and straightforward ride. It is always easy to follow and can be ridden in both directions.

What can I see along the route?

As you ride, you'll experience diverse scenery including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands, bordered by agricultural fields. The trail also passes by the St. James Farm Preserve, which features historical buildings and artwork. You'll also be on the St. James Farm Bike Trail for a significant portion of the route.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Yes, dogs are generally allowed in DuPage County Forest Preserves, including St. James Farm. They must be kept on a leash no longer than 10 feet and under control at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to use the preserve or trail?

Generally, there are no entrance fees or permits required for general use of the DuPage County Forest Preserves, including St. James Farm. However, it's always a good idea to check the official DuPage County Forest Preserve District website for any specific regulations or updates: dupagecounty.gov.

What is the best time of year to mountain bike the St. James Farm Loop Trail?

The trail offers diverse scenery throughout the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, but be mindful of warmer weather. Winter can be an option for snowshoeing or Nordic skiing, but check trail conditions for mountain biking after snow.

Does the trail connect to other paths?

Yes, the St. James Farm Loop Trail is part of a broader regional trail system. It connects to other trails within the preserve and will also connect to Cantigny Park via a new extension. The route also passes through sections of the Red Maple Allée, Illinois Prairie Path - Aurora Branch, Herrick Lake Regional Trail, and the West Branch DuPage River Trail.

Are there any historical points of interest along the route?

Yes, the preserve itself has significant historical value. It was once a private estate of the McCormick family and features structures from late-1800 farmsteads and a German-style barn dating back to 1890, offering glimpses into the area's past.

Is the trail multi-use, and is it accessible for families?

Yes, it is a popular multi-use trail accommodating hiking, horseback riding, trail running, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing in addition to mountain biking. Its easy difficulty and smooth gravel path make it highly accessible and family-friendly, even for those new to mountain biking.