The best road cycling routes around North Chicago

There are over 19 road cycling routes around North Chicago, offering diverse options for various skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars.

Road cycling in North Chicago offers a variety of landscapes, including extensive forest preserves like Fort Sheridan, serene river trails such as the Des Plaines River Trail, and scenic views along the Lake Michigan shoreline. You'll encounter woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and savannas.

Yes, North Chicago offers many easy road cycling routes. For example, the Fort Sheridan Cemetery loop from Great Lakes is an easy 14-mile (22.5 km) ride, and the Rockland Wetlands – Old School Forest Preserve loop from Lake Bluff is another easy 19.7-mile (31.7 km) option that traverses diverse ecosystems.

Many routes pass by beautiful natural attractions. You can cycle near Independence Grove Lake, explore the MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve, or discover the Pond in Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve. The Des Plaines River Trail itself meanders through diverse ecosystems like tallgrass savanna and oak woodlands.

For longer rides, consider routes like the Des Plaines River Trail – Old School Forest Preserve loop from Libertyville, which spans over 25 miles (40.5 km) and offers extensive views of forest preserves and riverine landscapes.

The routes in North Chicago are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paths, the serene natural settings of the forest preserves, and the diverse ecosystems encountered along river trails.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in North Chicago are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve – Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve loop from Green Oaks and the Northcroft Park – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Lake Forest.

The Des Plaines River Trail is considered a 'crown jewel' for its scenic beauty, winding through diverse ecosystems. The Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve also offers beautiful loops with views of the natural surroundings. Additionally, segments of the North Shore Trails provide excellent paths away from busy streets.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for road cycling in North Chicago, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. Fall, in particular, can be beautiful with changing foliage in the forest preserves.

While many routes focus on natural areas, the broader North Shore area features bike paths that connect to local restaurants and shops. The Chicago Botanic Garden in nearby Glencoe is also a renowned living museum with extensive landscapes that can be explored, and it's accessible by bike.

Many of the easy and moderate routes, especially those within forest preserves and dedicated bike paths like segments of the Des Plaines River Trail, are suitable for families. These trails often provide a safe and enjoyable environment away from traffic.