The best MTB trails around Des Plaines

There are over a dozen mountain bike routes around Des Plaines listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences. These include 5 easy routes and 8 moderate routes, ensuring options for different skill levels.

Yes, Des Plaines offers several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners and families. The Busse Woods Red Trail is a short, easy ride through wooded areas. For a slightly longer, accessible loop, consider the Busse Woods Red Loop Trail. Many sections of the Des Plaines River Trail are also relatively flat and suitable for less experienced riders, such as this easy 23.7 km section.

The mountain bike trails in Des Plaines offer diverse terrain. You'll find extensive sections of crushed limestone and gravel, packed dirt, and some singletrack sections. The Des Plaines River Trail, in particular, features gravel doubletrack with connected singletrack that can include logs and log roll-overs. While generally relatively flat, the winding nature of the paths and varied surfaces provide an engaging ride through woodlands, prairies, savannas, and wetlands.

Yes, there are several loop options for mountain biking. A popular choice is the Busse Woods Red Loop Trail, which provides an easy 12.3 km ride through the Busse Woods forest preserve. Another significant loop is the North Branch and North Shore Channel Trail Loop, offering a moderate 47.5 km ride.

The trails in Des Plaines wind through numerous natural areas and offer access to various points of interest. You can explore the expansive Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), which includes Busse Lake — North and Main Pools. Other notable forest preserves accessible from the trails include Harms Woods Preserve, Caldwell Woods, and Dam Number 1 Woods. The Des Plaines River Trail itself offers views of diverse ecosystems and opportunities to spot wildlife like beaver, herons, and turtles.

The mountain biking experience in Des Plaines is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse natural settings, including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands, as well as the varied trail surfaces that keep rides engaging. The accessibility of trails for different skill levels is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, it's important to be aware that parts of the Des Plaines River Trail, particularly underpasses, may become impassable due to flooding after heavy rains. It's advisable to check local trail conditions or recent rider reports before heading out, especially during wet periods.

Many forest preserves and multi-use trails in the Des Plaines area, including sections of the Des Plaines River Trail, are dog-friendly. However, dogs are typically required to be on a leash. Always check specific preserve or trail regulations before your ride to ensure compliance.

Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the best conditions for mountain biking in Des Plaines. The trails are most vibrant in spring and fall with changing foliage, and summer provides warm weather. However, be mindful of potential flooding in spring and after heavy rains, and always check trail conditions, especially during shoulder seasons.

Yes, many of the forest preserves that the Des Plaines River Trail winds through, such as Van Patten Woods, Wadsworth Savanna, and Camp Pine Woods, often provide amenities like picnic areas and restrooms. The River Trail Nature Center, located on a scenic stretch of the river, also offers facilities and exhibits.

Yes, numerous access points to the Des Plaines River Trail and other forest preserve trails offer parking. Areas like Camp Ground Road Woods are mentioned as starting points with convenient access. It's recommended to check the specific trailhead or forest preserve you plan to visit for detailed parking information.

While Des Plaines trails are generally known for their accessibility, some routes offer a more moderate challenge. The full Des Plaines River Trail, at 57.6 km, is rated moderate due to its length, offering a sustained ride. The North Branch and North Shore Channel Trail Loop is another moderate option, providing a longer distance and varied scenery.