The best MTB trails around Vernon Hills

There are currently 4 dedicated mountain bike routes listed around Vernon Hills on komoot, offering a range of experiences from easy to moderate difficulty.

The mountain bike trails around Vernon Hills cater to various skill levels. You'll find 1 easy route and 3 moderate routes, with no difficult trails listed, making the area accessible for many riders.

Yes, the region offers trails suitable for families, particularly sections of the Des Plaines River Trail which are relatively level with gentle elevation. The northern 20 miles are well-maintained and ideal for first-time long-distance cyclists and families. An easy route to consider is the Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds – Des Plaines River bridge loop from Wheeling.

The terrain around Vernon Hills is diverse, featuring a mix of crushed stone, pavement, and singletrack sections, especially along the Des Plaines River Trail. Forest preserves like Old School and Half Day offer gravel trails winding through woods and prairies. While generally level, some singletrack sections can be overgrown or have logs, and may be impassable during high river levels.

The trails offer views of diverse natural landscapes. You can explore riverine environments along the Des Plaines River, woodlands in preserves like MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve and Dam Number 1 Woods, and scenic lakes such as Independence Grove Lake and Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds. The Des Plaines River bridge is also a notable landmark.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, the Des Plaines River bridge – Independence Grove Lake loop from Wheeling is a moderate 37.4-mile loop, and the Independence Grove Lake – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Libertyville covers 24.6 miles.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the scenic riverine environments, and the well-maintained trails through forest preserves.

While not explicitly stated, the presence of varied ecosystems like prairies and woodlands suggests that spring and fall offer pleasant riding conditions with vibrant wildflowers or autumn foliage. Summer can be warm, and some trails may be impassable during high river levels, particularly after heavy rains.

Many forest preserves in the region, including those with biking trails, typically allow dogs on leash. It's always best to check specific preserve regulations before you go, but generally, you can enjoy the trails with your canine companion.

Access points for the Des Plaines River Trail are available in Vernon Hills, and forest preserves like Old School and Half Day offer dedicated parking facilities. Century Park also has parking for its path system.

While specific cafes directly on the trails are not mentioned, many preserves like Half Day and Old School Forest Preserves provide picnic areas and shelters, ideal for bringing your own refreshments. Vernon Hills and nearby towns offer various dining options for pre- or post-ride meals.

The trails vary significantly in length. For instance, the Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds – Des Plaines River bridge loop from Wheeling is about 18 miles (28.9 km), while the Des Plaines River bridge – Independence Grove Lake loop from Wheeling extends to 37.4 miles (60.2 km).