The best road cycling routes around Highland Park

Highland Park offers a selection of 14 road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars.

Road cycling routes in Highland Park, Illinois, primarily navigate a landscape shaped by former golf courses, restored woodlands, and interconnected trail systems. You'll encounter green lawns, native gardens, and various wetland and riverfront habitats. The topography offers varied experiences, from paved paths with elevation changes, like the Half Day Road Bike Path, to multi-use trails connecting to wider regional networks.

Yes, Highland Park offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Northcroft Park – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Highland Park is an easy 21.9-mile path offering a smooth ride through local parks and along the bikeway. There are 8 easy routes in total.

While Highland Park's routes are generally easy to moderate, experienced cyclists can find longer, moderate options to extend their rides. The Fort Sheridan Pond – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Ravinia is a moderate 27.3-mile trail featuring varied terrain along the Skokie Valley Bikeway, providing a good workout. There are 6 moderate routes available.

Road cycling routes in Highland Park vary in distance, with options ranging from shorter loops to longer excursions. You can find routes like the Skokie Lagoons – Skokie Lagoon No. 3 loop from Ravinia Park at 15.6 miles, up to the 27.3-mile Fort Sheridan Pond – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Ravinia.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Highland Park are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Fort Sheridan Pond – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Ravinia and the Founders Park – Shelton Park loop from Highland Park.

Along the road cycling routes, you can explore various natural and scenic points of interest. Notable attractions include the tranquil Skokie Lagoon No. 3, the picturesque Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds, and the expansive MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve. Many routes also incorporate sections of the North Branch Trail.

Parking is generally available at various access points to the trail systems and parks in and around Highland Park. Many routes start from locations like Ravinia or Highland Park itself, where public parking facilities are often present. Specific parking details can usually be found on individual route pages or local park district websites.

Generally, no specific permits are required for road cycling on public trails and bikeways in Highland Park. The city actively promotes cycling and pedestrian activities, with a focus on creating a comprehensive and connected non-motorized transportation system for public enjoyment.

The Preserve of Highland Park is a 100-acre area developed from a former golf course, featuring green lawns, native gardens, and restored woodlands. It offers walking and biking trails that connect to neighborhoods and regional biking trails. The Preserve's trails incorporate interesting topography from the former golf course, providing a unique cycling experience. More information can be found on the Visit Lake County website.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 19 reviews. Reviewers often praise the interconnected bikeways, the varied topography from former golf courses, and the scenic beauty of restored woodlands and wetland habitats. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to moderate challenges.