The best cycling routes around Chicago Heights

Chicago Heights offers a good selection of touring cycling routes, with over 10 routes available. These routes cater to various skill levels, ensuring there's something for everyone.

The majority of touring cycling routes in Chicago Heights are classified as easy, with 10 easy routes. There are also 2 moderate routes for those looking for a bit more challenge, but no difficult routes are listed, making the area very accessible for most cyclists.

You can expect a diverse range of terrain. Routes often feature a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, winding through Illinoisian prairie grasslands, mature oak woodlands, and wetlands. Many trails are part of extensive multi-use systems, offering varied natural settings.

Yes, the area is a hub for several key trails that offer extended rides. The Old Plank Road Trail, for example, is a 22-mile paved path stretching from Chicago Heights to Joliet. It also connects to the Thorn Creek Trail System, and future plans aim to integrate trails into a larger Southland Century Loop, offering potential 100-plus-mile routes.

Touring cyclists can explore a variety of natural features and landmarks. You might encounter the scenic Old Plank Road Trail, the Plum Valley Preserve with its forest and wetland habitats, or the Calumet Avenue Pedestrian Bridge. The routes often pass through various forest preserves, offering opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

Absolutely. Many of the routes are classified as easy, making them suitable for families. Trails like the Olympia Field loop — Chicago Heights offer pleasant rides through local areas. The extensive multi-use trail systems, with their generally flat terrain and amenities like picnic areas, are ideal for family outings.

Many of the multi-use trails and forest preserves in the Chicago Heights area are dog-friendly, typically requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always a good idea to check specific regulations for individual preserves or trails before you go, but generally, your canine companion can join you.

Yes, there are several circular routes to enjoy. For example, the Olympia Field loop — Chicago Heights is an easy 19.9-mile ride, and the Hickory Creek Forest loop from Matteson offers a 21.0-mile journey through forest areas.

Parking is generally available at various trailheads and within the numerous forest preserves that the cycling routes traverse. Many of these preserves, such as those part of the Thorn Creek Trail System, offer designated parking areas for public access.

Yes, the interconnected trail systems often feature picnic areas and connect to nearby towns like Frankfort, Matteson, and Park Forest. These towns provide opportunities to find local shops, restaurants, and other services for refreshments and rest stops during your ride.

The Old Plank Road Trail is a highlight for touring cyclists, offering a 22-mile paved 'rails-to-trails' experience. It passes through charming towns and scenic Illinoisian prairie grasslands, mature oak trees, and sugar maples. You'll find amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, and it connects to other trail systems. For more details, you can visit reconnectwithnature.org.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive network of multi-use trails, the diverse natural landscapes, and the peaceful experience of riding through forest preserves and prairie. The accessibility of easy routes is also frequently highlighted.

While this guide focuses on touring cycling, the Chicago Heights area does offer mountain biking opportunities. Preserves like Joe Orr Woods, Halsted Woods, and Wilson Woods feature singletrack trails, providing a different kind of cycling experience for those looking to explore off-road.