How many mountain bike trails are available in Palos Hills?

Palos Hills offers an extensive network of mountain bike trails within the Cook County Forest Preserves. There are over 25 miles of singletrack and an additional 20 miles of multi-track trails. Komoot lists 27 distinct mountain bike routes in the area, catering to various skill levels.

What kind of terrain can I expect on the mountain bike trails around Palos Hills?

The terrain around Palos Hills is characterized by gently rolling hills, dense woodlands, and moderate elevation changes. You'll encounter diverse natural features, including sloughs, wetlands, and unique geological formations like the Sagawau Canyon, which features dolomite rock. Trails range from smooth paths to challenging singletrack.

Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Palos Hills?

Yes, Palos Hills has trails suitable for beginners. The region offers routes with mostly gentle and rolling terrain, providing a good introduction to mountain biking. For example, the Yellow Loop Trail is an easy 8.3-mile route that winds through characteristic woodlands.

What are some challenging mountain bike routes for experienced riders?

Experienced riders will find plenty of challenging options in Palos Hills. The area features numerous difficult singletrack trails. For a significant challenge, consider the Tomahawk Slough – Bullfrog Lake loop from Palos Hills , a difficult 17.8-mile trail that navigates varied terrain. Other advanced trails in the system include sections like Three Ravines, known for its significant drops and technical features.

What natural features or landmarks can I see while mountain biking in Palos Hills?

While mountain biking in Palos Hills, you can explore a variety of natural features. The trails often pass through dense woodlands, past picturesque wetlands, and alongside sloughs such as Tomahawk Slough and Saganashkee Slough . You might also encounter unique areas like the Sagawau Canyon, known for its dolomite rock formations and uncommon plants.

Are there any circular mountain bike routes in Palos Hills?

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Palos Hills are designed as loops, offering circular routes that bring you back to your starting point. An example is the Tomahawk Slough – Palos Red Singletrack Trail loop from Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve , a difficult 9.6-mile route.

What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Palos Hills?

Palos Hills offers enjoyable mountain biking throughout much of the year. Spring and summer bring lush greenery and wildflowers, while fall showcases vibrant foliage. Even winter can be serene with snow-covered trails, though conditions may vary. Always check local trail conditions before heading out, especially after rain or snow.

Are dogs allowed on the mountain bike trails in Palos Hills?

The Cook County Forest Preserves, where the Palos Hills trails are located, generally allow dogs on trails, but they must be kept on a leash. It's always best to check specific rules and regulations for individual preserves or trails before bringing your dog.

What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about the trails in Palos Hills?

The mountain bike trails in Palos Hills are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.67 stars from over 55 reviews. Riders often praise the extensive network of trails, the diverse terrain, and the natural beauty of the dense woodlands and unique sloughs that define the area.

Is there parking available at the trailheads in Palos Hills?

Yes, there are numerous parking areas available throughout the Cook County Forest Preserves that provide access to the Palos Hills mountain bike trail system. Many trailheads have dedicated parking lots, making it convenient to start your ride.

Are there any cafes or places to eat near the Palos Hills mountain bike trails?

While the trails themselves are within the natural setting of the Forest Preserves, the surrounding Palos Hills area, being a suburb of Chicago, offers various cafes, restaurants, and other amenities. You'll find options for food and drink in nearby towns and along major roads close to the preserve entrances.

The best MTB trails around Palos Hills

Trail	Distance	Elevation	Difficulty
Palos Yellow and Orange Trail Loop	28.7 km	190 m	Moderate
Yellow Loop Trail	13.4 km	100 m	Easy
Centennial Trail	36.1 km	80 m	Easy
Orange Loop	5.29 km	30 m	Easy
Palos Red Singletrack Trail – View of Tomahawk Slough loop from Plot M	12.5 km	100 m	Hard

1. Palos Yellow and Orange Trail Loop

28.7km

02:21

190m

The Palos Yellow and Orange Trail Loop offers a diverse mountain biking experience, winding through the expansive Palos Forest Preserves. You'll navigate a mix of rolling widetrack and tight, twisty singletrack, with technical features like tree roots and bermed turns. Keep an eye out for scenic views of Maple Lake and the surrounding woodlands and prairies as you ride.

This moderate 17.9-mile (28.7 km) loop, with 621 feet (189 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 21 minutes to complete. The Palos system is bi-directional with many intersections, so bringing a trail map is a good idea to help you customize your route and avoid getting lost. Parking is available at various points within the preserve.

Known as the largest trail system in the Chicago area, Palos offers something for many skill levels, though this combined loop leans towards intermediate riders. The varied terrain, a result of glacial activity, provides significant elevation for the region, making for a dynamic and engaging ride away from city noise.

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2. Yellow Loop Trail

13.4km

01:08

100m

The Yellow Loop Trail in Palos Hills offers a delightful mountain biking experience through the Sag Valley Forest Preserve, winding through lush areas like McClaughry Springs Woods and Forty Acre Woods. This easy route is mostly a well-maintained doubletrack of crushed limestone, providing a smooth ride. You'll enjoy gentle ascents and descents, with some sections offering good views atop bluffs overlooking old toboggan slides, making for a varied and engaging journey.

Planning your visit to this popular route is straightforward, with parking available at various points within the Sag Valley Forest Preserve. The trail is well-marked, but be aware that it's also frequently used by horses, so yielding to equestrians is essential. The route is enjoyable year-round, with vibrant green woods in summer and a quiet, snowy landscape in winter, making it a great option for a quick escape.

This 8.3-mile (13.4 km) mountain biking loop features a modest 335 feet (102 metres) of elevation gain and can typically be completed in about 1 hour and 8 minutes. Its easy difficulty makes it particularly appealing for beginner mountain bikers or families looking for a relaxed outing. The trail's location in Cook County, Illinois, provides an accessible natural escape close to urban areas.

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3. Centennial Trail

36.1km

01:58

80m

The Centennial Trail offers a delightful mountain biking experience, guiding you through the serene landscapes of Keepataw Reserve. Unlike its more challenging namesakes, this route is all about smooth cruising, providing a peaceful escape into nature. You'll enjoy consistent, easy terrain, perfect for a relaxed outing where the scenery, rather than technical difficulty, takes center stage.

Planning your visit is simple, with multiple access points along the trail's length, making it easy to find parking. This easy 22.4-mile (36.1 km) mountain biking route, with a gentle 262 feet (80 metres) of elevation gain, is enjoyable year-round, though spring and autumn provide the most pleasant riding conditions. Expect to complete the ride in about 1 hours and 58 minutes, making it a great option for a morning or afternoon adventure.

This particular Centennial Trail stands out for its accessibility and family-friendly nature, contrasting sharply with the rugged, multi-day challenges of trails like the Idaho Centennial Trail or the Black Hills' Centennial Trail #89. It's a fantastic choice if you're looking for a low-impact ride to explore the local natural beauty, offering a different kind of mountain biking experience focused on enjoyment and ease rather than endurance or technical skill.

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4. Orange Loop

5.29km

00:22

30m

The Orange Loop offers a delightful, easy mountain biking experience, perfect for a quick escape into nature. You'll cruise along a gentle path, enjoying the serene views as the trail meanders past the peaceful Rainbarrel Slough and Tomahawk Slough. This 3.3-mile (5.3 km) route, with its minimal 84 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain, is designed for relaxation and can be completed in a breezy 21 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a casual ride.

Planning your visit to the Orange Loop is straightforward; it's an accessible trail suitable for most. Given its location in Cook County, Illinois, checking the local park district for current conditions, parking information, or any specific regulations is always a good idea. This easy route is ideal for a spontaneous outing, and you won't need extensive preparation, just your bike and a desire for a pleasant ride.

While many "Orange Loop mountain biking" trails exist across the US, this particular route stands out for its beginner-friendly nature and scenic slough views. It provides a fantastic opportunity for new riders to build confidence or for anyone seeking a low-impact, enjoyable ride. Its short duration and easy difficulty make it a convenient option for fitting a refreshing outdoor activity into a busy day.

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5. Palos Red Singletrack Trail – View of Tomahawk Slough loop from Plot M

12.5km

01:00

100m

The Palos Red Singletrack Trail – View of Tomahawk Slough loop from Plot M offers a dynamic mountain biking experience through dense woodlands and rolling terrain. You'll navigate tight, twisty singletrack, encountering challenging downhills and grueling climbs as the trail winds along ravines. The route provides scenic passages near the Tomahawk Slough, offering glimpses of water amidst the trees, and features rock gardens and exposed roots that add to the technical fun.

This difficult 7.8-mile (12.5 km) loop, with 314 feet (96 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour to complete. Given its popularity, especially on weekends, plan to arrive early to secure parking at Plot M. Always check for current Palos Forest Preserves seasonal trail conditions, as heavy rain can affect rideability, ensuring you have the best experience on this demanding route.

Part of the largest mountain bike trail system in Illinois, the Palos area is known for its diverse terrain and historical significance, including the site of America's first nuclear reactor. Volunteer groups like CAMBr do an excellent job maintaining these heavily trafficked trails, ensuring good drainage and features. The variety of trails and endless combinations mean your rides rarely get stale, making this a standout option for mountain biking near Chicago.

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6. Tomahawk Slough – Stonehouse loop from Plot M

19.4km

01:40

160m

The Tomahawk Slough – Stonehouse loop is a demanding mountain biking route that plunges you into the heart of the Palos Forest Preserves' most scenic and challenging terrain. Expect a heavily wooded, twisting trail with flowing singletrack, technical rocky sections, and numerous ravine crossings. You'll pass by the picturesque Rainbarrel Slough and Tomahawk Slough, experiencing diverse elevation changes that keep the ride engaging from start to finish.

This 12.1-mile (19.4 km) loop, with 517 feet (158 metres) of elevation gain, is rated difficult and typically takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. It requires advanced riding skills and good fitness, so it's not for beginners. The trailhead at Plot M offers convenient parking, but be aware that the trail can get wet and slippery after rain, so plan your visit accordingly.

A notable landmark along the way is "the Stonehouse," an old Civilian Conservation Corps shelter that provides a unique historical touch. This popular route is part of a larger network within the Palos Forest Preserves, known for its well-maintained trails thanks to the Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (CAMBr), making it a prime destination for experienced mountain bikers.

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7. Tomahawk Slough – Stonehouse loop from Willow Springs

30.2km

02:33

230m

Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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8. Maple Lake – Maple Lake loop from Plot M

8.27km

00:40

70m

The Maple Lake – Maple Lake loop from Plot M offers a refreshing mountain biking experience within the Palos Forest Preserve. You'll navigate through diverse forested areas, enjoying the rolling terrain and catching glimpses of Maple Lake. While some sections might feature flowy downhill berms, the overall moderate difficulty suggests a good mix of gradual climbs and descents, potentially with some exposed roots to keep things interesting. It's a great way to immerse yourself in nature without venturing too far from the city.

Planning your visit to the Maple Lake Plot M mountain biking trails is straightforward, with extensive parking available, particularly near the Maple Lake East staging area. Given its popularity, especially on weekends, an early start is recommended to ensure a spot. There are no specific permits required for general trail use, making it an accessible option for a spontaneous ride. The best time to visit is often during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, though summer rides can be enjoyable with proper hydration.

This trail is part of the larger Palos Trail System, which is renowned for its extensive singletrack and varied terrain, catering to different skill levels. The area's diverse vegetation and forested landscapes are a result of ancient glacial activity, creating a unique ecosystem. Beyond the ride, the Palos Forest Preserve offers numerous opportunities for other outdoor activities, making it a significant natural landmark in Cook County.

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9. Stonehouse – Tomahawk Slough loop from Plot M

11.7km

00:57

110m

The Stonehouse – Tomahawk Slough loop from Plot M offers a challenging mountain biking experience through heavily wooded, twisting singletrack. You'll encounter varied elevation changes, including tight climbing switchbacks and fast sections with dips, all while navigating numerous shallow ravine and armored creek crossings. The route winds through scenic forested areas and picturesque ravines, with the historic 'The Stonehouse' shelter providing a unique landmark along the way.

This difficult 7.3-mile (11.7 km) mountain biking loop, with 345 feet (105 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 57 minutes to complete. While parts of the Stonehouse section can be suitable for newcomers, the full loop demands advanced riding skills and good fitness, with some segments potentially requiring you to push your bike. Be prepared for roots and note that the trail can become wet and slippery after rain.

Part of the broader Palos Trail System, this loop is a popular choice among local mountain biking enthusiasts. The trails are diligently maintained by the Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (CAMBr), ensuring a quality ride. This route is best suited for those seeking a technical and physically demanding ride rather than a leisurely spin.

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10. View of Tomahawk Slough – Tomahawk Slough loop from Worth

69.4km

05:22

480m

This difficult mountain biking route, the View of Tomahawk Slough – Tomahawk Slough loop, plunges you deep into the Palos Trail System's extensive network. You'll navigate flowing singletrack through dense wooded sections, with glimpses of creeks and lakes, all while tackling varied elevation changes. The highlight is undoubtedly the serene Tomahawk Slough, a beautiful pond offering a moment of tranquility amidst the challenging ride.

Planning your ride requires good preparation for this 43.1-mile (69.4 km) journey. With 1579 feet (481 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 5 hours and 21 minutes, it's a significant commitment. Parking is typically available within the Palos Forest Preserve system near Worth; arriving early is wise, especially since this is one of the busiest mountain biking areas.

This route is a prime example of the Palos Trail System's reputation as the largest mountain biking network in Illinois. It caters to riders with good to very good fitness and advanced skills, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience that goes beyond typical flatland riding. It's a true test of endurance and technical ability for those seeking advanced mountain bike routes near Worth.

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The best MTB trails around Palos Hills

If you only do 3 of these routes

Compare these routes at a glance

1.

Palos Yellow and Orange Trail Loop

2.

Yellow Loop Trail

3.

Centennial Trail

4.

Orange Loop

5.

Palos Red Singletrack Trail – View of Tomahawk Slough loop from Plot M

6.

Tomahawk Slough – Stonehouse loop from Plot M

7.

Tomahawk Slough – Stonehouse loop from Willow Springs

8.

Maple Lake – Maple Lake loop from Plot M

9.

Stonehouse – Tomahawk Slough loop from Plot M

10.

View of Tomahawk Slough – Tomahawk Slough loop from Worth

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Tomahawk Slough – Stonehouse loop from Plot M	19.4 km	160 m	Hard
Tomahawk Slough – Stonehouse loop from Willow Springs	30.2 km	230 m	Hard
Maple Lake – Maple Lake loop from Plot M	8.27 km	70 m	Moderate
Stonehouse – Tomahawk Slough loop from Plot M	11.7 km	110 m	Hard
View of Tomahawk Slough – Tomahawk Slough loop from Worth	69.4 km	480 m	Hard