The best road cycling routes around Westmont

Westmont and its surrounding areas offer a wide selection of road cycling routes. You can find over 45 routes, catering to various skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging paths.

The road cycling terrain around Westmont is primarily flat, characterized by woodlands, prairies, and waterways. You'll find extensive trail networks with well-paved surfaces, offering a mix of easy rides on flat paths and some routes with gentle elevation changes.

Yes, Westmont offers several easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners and families. For instance, the Gardena to Manhattan Beach loop is an easy 21.2-mile (34.2 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 31 minutes to complete, offering a pleasant ride through varied landscapes. Additionally, the 9-mile loop trail at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is accessible for families and road cyclists.

For more experienced riders seeking longer distances, the Westmont area has several options. The Centennial Trail – Prince Pond loop from Fairview Avenue spans 69.1 miles (111.3 km) and offers extended scenic views on its paved surfaces. Other moderate routes include the Manhattan Beach and Pier – El Segundo Beach loop from West ITF (33.3 miles / 53.5 km) and the Miramar Park – Bluff Cove loop from Redondo Beach (34.9 miles / 56.1 km).

Yes, Westmont's road cycling routes often pass through or near beautiful natural features and landmarks. You can explore areas like Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, known for its picturesque landscapes and a man-made waterfall. The Salt Creek Greenway Trail winds through areas like La Grange Park Woods, offering quiet rides along Salt Creek. Other notable preserves include Fullersburg Woods, Lyman Woods, and Hidden Lake Forest Preserve, which feature woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. While cycling, you might also encounter highlights like Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area or the Exposition Park Rose Garden.

Loop routes are a popular feature for road cycling in Westmont. Many trails, such as the Centennial Trail loop from Fairview Avenue, the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve loop, and the Holly Park loop from Fairview Avenue, are designed as loops, providing convenient starting and ending points.

The road cycling routes around Westmont are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 47 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive trail networks, well-maintained paved surfaces, and the diverse scenery that includes woodlands, prairies, and waterways. Over 3,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the area's varied terrain.

The best time for road cycling in Westmont generally aligns with the milder seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with blooming flowers in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially during morning or late afternoon rides to avoid the peak heat. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder conditions.

For scenic views, consider routes that pass through the region's forest preserves and along waterways. The Centennial Trail offers extended scenic views through green farmland and alongside creeks. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is known for its picturesque landscapes. Greene Valley Forest Preserve, while a bit further, boasts a scenic overlook with views of the Chicago skyline on clear days, and its trails offer diverse natural beauty.

Yes, Westmont's road cycling routes are well-connected to extensive trail networks. The Salt Creek Greenway Trail, for example, is easily accessible from Westmont, with connections from Bemis Woods, allowing for extended outings. This connectivity provides opportunities to link various routes and explore a wider area.

While specific cafes directly on every trail are not guaranteed, Westmont and its surrounding towns offer various amenities. Many routes pass through or near populated areas where you can find cafes, pubs, and other services. It's advisable to check local listings for establishments near your chosen starting or ending points, especially around popular areas like Fairview Avenue or West Hinsdale.