Tomahawk Slough – Stonehouse loop from Plot M
Tomahawk Slough – Stonehouse loop from Plot M
4.6
(5598)
12,788
riders
Tomahawk Slough – Stonehouse loop from Plot M
01:40
19.4km
160m
Mountain biking
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment that may be dangerous
A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
After 2.91 km for 1.58 km
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
942 m
Tomahawk Slough
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
8.62 km
Cal-Sag Channel
Highlight • River
Tip by
11.2 km
Single Track in the woods
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
12.0 km
Stonehouse
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
19.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
19.2 km
141 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
15.0 km
4.16 km
128 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Sunday 23 August
24°C
16°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 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
If you're looking for a genuinely challenging mountain biking experience in the Palos Forest Preserves, the Tomahawk Slough – Stonehouse loop from Plot M delivers. This difficult 12.1-mile (19.4 km) route, with 517 feet (158 metres) of elevation gain, is designed for advanced riders with good fitness, taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. It's one of those Tomahawk Slough Stonehouse loop Plot M mountain biking trails that will test your skills and reward you with a memorable ride.
What to expect on Tomahawk Slough – Stonehouse loop from Plot M
This loop takes you on a journey through some of Palos' most picturesque areas, offering a diverse Tomahawk Slough mountain bike terrain elevation difficulty. You'll navigate flowing singletrack, technical rocky sections, and numerous shallow ravine and swale crossings, including several armored creek crossings. The Stonehouse trail, a highlight of the route, features tight climbing switchbacks, fast sections with dips, and bermed turns that demand advanced riding skills. Keep an eye out for the historic Civilian Conservation Corps shelter, affectionately known as "the Stonehouse," a great spot for a quick break. The trail winds through heavily wooded areas, offering scenic views of Rainbarrel Slough and Tomahawk Slough, but be prepared for a demanding ride that might even require pushing your bike in some spots.
Planning your visit
Accessing the trail is straightforward from Plot M mountain biking parking. While the Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (CAMBr) do an excellent job keeping the trails well-maintained, it's crucial to know that the route can become wet and slippery after rain, so check conditions before you head out. This is a popular route, so arriving earlier in the day can help ensure a smoother start to your adventure.
Trail details
- Distance: 12.1 miles (19.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 517 feet (158 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 40 minutes
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