View of Fabyan Windmill – Great Western Trail loop from Mesa & Kirk

View of Fabyan Windmill – Great Western Trail loop from Mesa & Kirk

Moderate

4.9

(6954)

19,789

riders

View of Fabyan Windmill – Great Western Trail loop from Mesa & Kirk

03:36

70.6km

230m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 16, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

James "Pate" Philip State Park

Fabyan Forest Preserve

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

4.70 km

Fox River Trail at Clark Island Recreation Area

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Fox River Trail (FRT) follows the paths of three former railroads: the Chicago, Aurora & Elgin; the Aurora, Elgin & Fox River Electric; and the Chicago & North Western. …

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8.41 km

View of Fabyan Windmill

Highlight • Monument

The Fabyan Windmill is an authentic Dutch windmill still in operation. It is a structure dating from about 1950 and is located on what was the property of Colonel George …

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12.5 km

Fox River Trail (FRT)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This paved trail winds along the Fox River, providing a stunning view of the water, with plenty of break points along the way. French explorers, missionaries, and traders built their …

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18.1 km

Norton Woods

Highlight • Forest

As you approach the Red Gate Trail intersection with the Fox River Trail by Norton Creek as it flows into the Fox River, you cross Norton Woods. Near Fox River …

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18.5 km

Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve

Nature Reserve

22.1 km

Fox River Trail (railway bridge view)

Highlight • Bridge

The reflection of the classic stone brick railway bridge on the Fox River on a still day is beautiful, with a backdrop of green mixed trees. A lovely spot to …

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32.7 km

Illinois Prairie Path (Elgin Branch)

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Once a right-of-way for the Chicago Aurora & Elgin Railroad, the Illinois Prairie Path now runs for about 61 miles. Its surface is mostly crushed limestone dust, which should be …

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43.1 km

Great Western Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Once the railbed of the Chicago Great Western Railroad, the Great Western Trail is now a lovely, mostly flat ride on a surface of crushed limestone dust.

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46.4 km

Timber Ridge Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Timber Ridge Trail connects the Illinois Prairie Path Elgin Branch with the Great Western Trail. This smooth, paved path runs past Kline Creek Farm and Timber Lake.

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