The best cycling routes around Downers Grove
4.7
(218)
1,437
riders
125
rides
Touring cycling around Downers Grove benefits from an extensive network of trails, primarily consisting of paved and crushed-limestone paths. The region is characterized by numerous forest preserves, including Hidden Lake and Lyman Woods, which offer diverse landscapes of woods, wetlands, and meadows. These trails often wind through scenic natural areas and connect to broader regional systems, providing varied terrain for cyclists. The landscape also features elements of the Illinois prairie, contributing to the area's natural appeal.
Best touring cycling routes around Downers Grove
- The most popular touring cycling route is Bike loop from Darien, a 15.7 miles (25.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 47 minutes to complete. This route offers a straightforward loop suitable for a relaxed ride.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Whalon Lake Park – Whalon Lake Park loop from Woodridge, an easy 12.7 miles (20.4 km) path. This loop provides scenic views around Whalon Lake Park.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Herrick Lake – Danada Forest Preserve loop from Von Maur, a 34.1 miles (54.9 km) trail leading through Herrick Lake and Danada Forest Preserves, often completed in about 3 hours 23 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Downers Grove is defined by extensive trail networks, forest preserves, and prairie landscapes. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging longer routes.
- The routes in Downers Grove are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 1400 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Downers Grove's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
5.0
(2)
19
riders
20.4km
01:19
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
12
riders
36.9km
02:28
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
14
riders
87.7km
05:16
320m
320m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
70.8km
04:11
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
9
riders
50.7km
03:12
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is awesome gravel loop around the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. Gravel biker and newbies on a mountain bike will love it! The multi-use path it also a great option for families with children.
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Step back in time as you explore the historic farmsteads dating to the late 1800s at this site. A rare gabled-roofed farmhouse remains, one of the last of its style in DuPage County, along with a massive wood-planked German barn dating back to 1890, if not earlier. The worn fieldstone foundation of another vintage barn can still be spotted. In the 1920s, Chauncey and Marion McCormick acquired the property, pursuing their passion for horses by building colonial-style red brick stables with imported English iron posts. To support their award-winning herd of Guernsey cows, they constructed an innovative dairy barn with spacious stalls and various outbuildings that set the standard for Midwest farmers. Later, their son Brooks and wife Hope erected the indoor arena that hosted equestrian events and a therapeutic riding program. Today, this charming arena with idyllic river birch views can be rented out for small gatherings, letting you experience the rich agricultural history of this special place.
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Lake Harriet Park in Lemont, Illinois, is a small, peaceful neighborhood park tucked between residential streets and a pond. It features a paved walking path around the lake, a small fishing dock, benches, and open green space. There are no restrooms, but the park offers a calm, scenic spot for walking, relaxing, or enjoying a bit of suburban wildlife.
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Columbia Woods is a forest preserve located near Willow Springs, Illinois, at the western edge of the Cook County Forest Preserves. It offers access to the Chicago Portage National Historic Site and serves as a key entry point to the Des Plaines River Trail and the I&M Canal Trail, making it a popular starting spot for long bike rides or hikes. The preserve features a boat launch for paddlers on the Des Plaines River, as well as shaded picnic areas and quiet wooded paths. While it’s more low-key than other preserves, its location and river access make it a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts.
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The multi-use Veterans Memorial Trail connects or intersects with a number of other area trails, allowing you to ride, uninterrupted for miles. It also passes through Black Partridge Woods and Wood Ridge Forest Preserves.
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The Calumet-Saganashkee Channel, more commonly known as the Cal-Sag Channel, is a 16-mile-long shipping canal is Cook County. It was constructed in the early 1900s and played an important role in inland shipping.
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This section of the Centennial Trail takes you from Lemont to Willow Springs and passes through Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The path passes through a treelined, green landscape and is a very relaxing place to ride.
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The Cal-Sag Trail, or Calumet-Sag Trail, is a paved multi-use path spanning 16.2 miles. It connects the John Husar I&M Canal Trail in Lemont to the Major Taylor Trail in Riverdale. Users hug the Cal-Sag Channel, getting nice waterway views and shade from the surrounding forests. Future plans aim to extend the trail to 26 m
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cycling trails can I expect around Downers Grove?
The Downers Grove area offers an extensive network of trails primarily consisting of paved and crushed-limestone paths. These trails often wind through scenic forest preserves and connect to broader regional systems, providing a varied terrain for touring cyclists.
Are there many touring cycling routes available in Downers Grove?
Yes, komoot features over 130 touring cycling routes around Downers Grove. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 73 easy, 52 moderate, and 6 difficult options available.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Downers Grove?
The touring cycling routes around Downers Grove are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 1500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the area's varied terrain, often praising the well-maintained paths and scenic forest preserves.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many routes around Downers Grove are designed as loops. For example, the Bike loop from Darien is an easy 15.7-mile ride, and the Whalon Lake Park – Whalon Lake Park loop from Woodridge offers scenic views around the lake over 12.7 miles.
Can I find routes that pass through forest preserves?
Absolutely. The region is characterized by its numerous forest preserves. A great option is the Herrick Lake – Danada Forest Preserve loop from Von Maur, a moderate 34.1-mile route that takes you through both Herrick Lake and Danada Forest Preserves, offering diverse landscapes.
Are there any routes that feature waterfalls?
Yes, you can find routes that include natural features like waterfalls. Consider the Waterfall Glen Main Trail – Rocky Glen Waterfall loop from Woodridge, a moderate 22.9-mile route that passes by a waterfall.
What are some notable natural features or attractions I can explore while cycling?
Beyond the trails themselves, you can explore several natural features and attractions. Highlights include West Branch Riverway Forest Preserve, Whalon Lake Park, and Danada Forest Preserve. The region also features elements of the Illinois prairie, adding to its natural appeal.
Are there any longer, more challenging touring cycling routes?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a longer challenge, the Cal-Sag Trail – Centennial Trail loop from Lisle is a difficult 54.5-mile route, typically completed in just over 5 hours. This route offers a significant distance and elevation gain.
What kind of landscapes will I see on the touring cycling routes?
The landscapes around Downers Grove are diverse, featuring extensive woods with large hickory and oak trees, marshes, wetlands, and meadows. Many trails wind through scenic forest preserves like Lyman Woods and Hidden Lake, and you'll also encounter elements of the Illinois prairie.
Are there any specific trails known for scenic views?
Many trails offer scenic views, particularly those winding through forest preserves. The West Branch DuPage River trail is known for its scenic views through forest preserves with minimal road crossings. Additionally, routes around Whalon Lake Park provide picturesque lakeside scenery.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Downers Grove?
While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, the extensive network of trails, including paved and crushed-limestone paths, makes touring cycling enjoyable across multiple seasons. Spring and fall typically offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Winter cycling is also possible on cleared paths.
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