The best road cycling routes around Rolling Meadows

The Busse Woods Reservoir Bridge – Green Lake loop from Woodfield Mall offers a diverse road cycling experience, blending smooth paved paths with sections of crushed limestone. You'll pedal through lush hardwood forests and open meadows, past the expansive Busse Lake, and along the meandering Salt Creek, with a chance to spot the unique captive elk herd. This route provides a refreshing escape into nature, connecting several forest preserves and offering varied scenery throughout its length.

This moderate 36.5-mile (58.8 km) loop, with 513 feet (156 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 3 hours and 2 minutes to complete. Access is easy from the Woodfield Mall area, but be aware that the Busse Woods portion can get quite crowded on weekends. While much of the trail is paved, some segments of the Salt Creek Greenway feature crushed limestone, which might require a bit more attention if you're on a road bike with narrow tires.

What sets this route apart is its ability to combine the popular Busse Woods Trail with the extended Salt Creek Greenway, leading you towards Green Lake. This connection expands your cycling opportunities, allowing you to explore a wider network of Cook and DuPage County forest preserves. It's an excellent choice for cyclists seeking a longer, moderately challenging ride with plenty of natural features and wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Deer Grove Nature Preserve – Lake of the Coves loop from Palatine offers a fantastic road cycling experience, blending open prairies with serene woodlands. As you cycle, you'll traverse Cook County's oldest forest preserve, enjoying expansive views of grasslands and wetlands, particularly around the tranquil Lake of the Coves. The route's well-paved surfaces make for a smooth ride, with the changing scenery from oak savannas to maple woodlands keeping things interesting throughout.

This moderate 42.3-mile (68.1 km) loop, featuring 1248 feet (380 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes just over three hours to complete. It's ideal for cyclists seeking a good workout with picturesque surroundings. The preserve provides amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, and autumn is a particularly beautiful time to visit when the foliage bursts with color.

What makes this route stand out is its connection to the Palatine Trail, expanding your cycling options, and the preserve's significant ecological restoration efforts. You'll feel a world away from suburban life while still enjoying accessible, well-maintained paths. Keep an eye out for deer and various bird species, adding to the natural charm of this extensive preserve.

The Hawthorn Lake – Deer Grove Nature Preserve loop from Palatine offers a delightful road cycling experience, blending natural beauty with suburban charm. You'll pedal through the scenic Deer Grove Forest Preserve, where paved trails wind past grasslands, wetlands, and dense woodlands, making you feel miles away from the city. The route then connects to the Palatine Trail, which features a mix of residential areas, wooded sections, and even a golf course, providing a constantly changing backdrop for your ride.

This easy 24.9 miles (40.1 km) route, with 654 feet (199 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes to complete. While generally flat, be prepared for moderate inclines within Deer Grove and a notable "extreme hill" on the Palatine Trail west of Smith Road. Parking is available at various points along both the Palatine Trail and within Deer Grove Forest Preserve, making access straightforward for a morning or afternoon outing.

Deer Grove Forest Preserve holds historic significance as the first preserve acquired by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, established in 1916. It boasts diverse ecosystems, including oak savannas and maple woodlands, which have undergone extensive restoration efforts. The preserve's connectivity with the Palatine Trail at Quentin and Dundee Roads allows for extended cycling possibilities, making it a key hub for road cycling trails and routes in the Palatine area.