The best road cycling routes around Hillside

Road cycling routes around Hillside primarily feature paved multi-use trails. The terrain is generally flat with minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for various skill levels. You'll find routes traversing wooded areas and following natural waterways like Salt Creek and the Des Plaines River, offering scenic rides through forest preserves within a suburban setting.

Yes, Hillside offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the Prince Pond loop from Western Springs is an easy 27.1 km ride. The region's generally flat, paved multi-use trails are well-suited for a relaxed cycling experience.

While the terrain around Hillside is mostly flat, there are longer moderate routes that can offer a good challenge for experienced riders. For example, the Adams Park – Illinois Prairie Path loop from York & Wood Glen is a moderate 59.6 km route, and the Salt Creek and Des Plaines River Trail Loop covers 55.4 km, providing a substantial ride.

Many routes follow natural waterways like Salt Creek and the Des Plaines River, offering views of forest preserves. You can also encounter various ponds and lakes such as Prince Pond, Thatcher Glen Pond, and Green Lake. Forested areas like Lyman Woods Forest Preserve and Brookfield Woods are also accessible.

Road cycling routes in Hillside vary in length, catering to different preferences. You can find shorter easy loops around 27 km, such as the Prince Pond loop from Western Springs. Moderate routes often range from 38 km to nearly 60 km, like the Salt Creek – Brookfield Woods loop from Elmhurst (38.6 km) or the Adams Park – Illinois Prairie Path loop from York & Wood Glen (59.6 km).

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 25 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive network of paved multi-use trails, the scenic routes through forest preserves along rivers, and the generally flat terrain that makes it accessible for various skill levels.

Yes, some routes can lead you near cultural points of interest. For example, the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is an attraction in the wider area that could be incorporated into a longer ride or visited as a separate stop.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Hillside are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Salt Creek and Des Plaines River Trail Loop and the Lilac Park – Lake Ellyn loop from Berkeley.

Given the region's characteristics, spring, summer, and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Hillside. These seasons provide comfortable temperatures and lush scenery along the wooded and riverine trails. Winter cycling may be possible, but conditions can be challenging due to cold weather and potential snow or ice on trails.

While specific parking information for each route is best checked on the individual tour pages, many multi-use trails and forest preserves in suburban areas like Hillside typically offer designated parking lots at trailheads or access points. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for parking availability.

There are nearly 60 road cycling routes available around Hillside, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes 17 easy routes, 41 moderate routes, and a few more challenging options.