The best road cycling routes in Illinois

Illinois offers a vast network for road cyclists, with over 950 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy urban paths to more challenging rides in the state's diverse terrain.

Yes, Illinois has many easy routes perfect for beginners or family outings. For instance, the North Branch Trail Loop is an easy 31.1-mile path through forest preserves. Another great option is the Lakefront Trail, offering scenic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline on an 18.9-mile easy ride.

For more advanced road cyclists seeking a challenge, the southern region of Illinois, often called the Illinois Ozarks, provides a rugged and hilly environment, particularly within the Shawnee National Forest. While specific routes are not listed as 'difficult' in the top routes, the region's topography offers significant elevation changes compared to the flatter northern and central parts of the state.

Illinois is home to several long-distance routes. The Grand Illinois Trail: Chicago Lakefront to Wolf Lake is a moderate 46.8-mile path connecting urban areas with natural settings. Another notable option is the Cal-Sag Trail and Centennial Trail, which spans over 59 miles (96.2 km) and offers varied scenery.

Illinois offers numerous scenic routes. The Lakefront Trail provides stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. In southern Illinois, the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail along the Mississippi River from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park features impressive bluffs and scenic vistas. The Shawnee National Forest also contains areas like Garden of the Gods with panoramic views.

Yes, Central Illinois offers routes through its unique landscape. The Mackinaw Valley Trail, for example, connects Bloomington-Normal and Peoria, guiding cyclists through wooded bluffs, native wildflowers, and pastoral farmland along the Mackinaw River.

Illinois' diverse landscape features many natural attractions. You can find stunning sandstone formations and waterfalls, particularly around Starved Rock and La Salle Canyon Waterfall. The Shawnee National Forest in the south is home to dramatic sandstone formations and bluffs, while Illinois Beach State Park preserves the state's only beach ridge shoreline along Lake Michigan.

Many routes in Illinois are designed as loops or can be combined to form circular rides. The North Branch Trail Loop is a popular 31.1-mile circular route through forest preserves. Another option is the Calumet Beach, Sag Valley Forest Preserve & Salt Creek loop from Chicago, offering a longer 68.2-mile (109.7 km) ride.

The road cycling routes in Illinois are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,000 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse scenery, from Lake Michigan shorelines and extensive prairie paths to the rolling hills of the southern Ozarks, and the variety of options available for different ability levels.

Many of Illinois' extensive trail networks, especially those converted from former rail lines like the Illinois Prairie Path and the Fox River Trail, often have designated parking areas at various access points. Urban routes like the Lakefront Trail also typically have nearby parking facilities, though availability and cost can vary.

Spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons for road biking in Illinois, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Fall, in particular, provides stunning foliage, especially in regions like the Shawnee National Forest or along river valleys. Summer can be enjoyable, but riders should be prepared for warmer temperatures and humidity.

In northern Illinois, particularly around the Chicago metropolitan area, many cycling paths are accessible via public transport. Routes like the Chicago Lakefront Trail and sections of the Grand Illinois Trail are often well-connected to CTA and Metra stations, allowing for convenient access without a car.

While many trails are well-known, exploring the less-traveled paved forest service roads within the Shawnee National Forest can offer a 'hidden gem' experience with challenging hills and dramatic natural scenery. The Tunnel Hill State Trail in southern Illinois, though popular, also offers a unique journey through diverse natural landscapes including bluffs and forests, away from major urban centers.