Salt Creek – Brookfield Woods loop from Brookfield
Salt Creek – Brookfield Woods loop from Brookfield
3.0
(7)
41
riders
Salt Creek – Brookfield Woods loop from Brookfield
02:42
45.5km
80m
Cycling
Moderate bike 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: April 20, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
26th Street Woods
Brookfield Woods Preserve
McCormick Woods Preserve
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
3.35 km
Salt Creek
Highlight • River
Tip by
4.63 km
26th Street Woods
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
20.4 km
Illinois Prairie Path (Grand Illinois Trail)
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
29.8 km
Illinois Prairie Path
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
41.0 km
Brookfield Woods
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
42.4 km
McCormick Woods Preserve
Nature Reserve
45.5 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
17.0 km
15.7 km
10.2 km
2.15 km
333 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
17.4 km
15.4 km
12.4 km
185 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Wednesday 1 July
35°C
27°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Salt Creek – Brookfield Woods loop from Brookfield is one of those touring cycling routes that offers a lot of variety for a moderate effort. This 28.3-mile (45.5 km) loop, with a gentle 252 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 2 hours and 42 minutes. It's a great option if you're looking for a diverse ride through natural settings without too much climbing, making it suitable for a wide range of touring cyclists.
What to expect on Salt Creek – Brookfield Woods loop from Brookfield
As you cycle the Salt Creek – Brookfield Woods loop, you'll experience a journey through varied terrain and picturesque scenery. The route predominantly features paved surfaces, but also includes sections of crushed limestone and some unpaved paths, particularly within Brookfield Woods itself. You'll wind through serene woodlands and forest preserves like Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and Bemis Woods, often paralleling the scenic Salt Creek waterway. Keep an eye out for wildlife; deer and herons are commonly spotted. The overall flat profile and gentle gradients make for a comfortable ride, though the unpaved segments might require a more robust bike or a bit more effort. Remember, it's a multi-use trail with a 15 mph speed limit, so it's not designed for high-speed cycling.
Planning your visit
A critical planning note for this route is the significant ongoing intermittent closure of a section of the Salt Creek Trail under the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), specifically between Ogden Avenue and 31st Street. This closure is expected to last until December 2026, and there are no designated alternative routes, which can lead to unsafe detours. Always check the Forest Preserves of Cook County's trail page for the latest updates before you head out. Be aware of road crossings, some of which lack traffic signals, and note that certain underpasses are prone to flooding after heavy rains.
Trail details
- Distance: 28.3 miles (45.5 km)
- Elevation gain: 252 feet (77 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 42 minutes
Comments
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