The best cycling routes around Woodridge

The Des Plaines River - Waterfall Glen Trail & Centennial Trail Loop offers a truly engaging touring cycling adventure, blending natural beauty with diverse terrain. You'll ride through the rich ecosystems of Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, home to prairies and woodlands, before following the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal along the Centennial Trail. Expect to encounter glacier-carved rock ridges, ravines, and wetland potholes, providing a constant change of scenery.

This moderate 36.5-mile (58.7 km) loop, with 505 feet (154 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 39 minutes. While the Des Plaines River Trail is generally flat, the Waterfall Glen section features notable rolling hills that add a good challenge. Be aware that parts of the trail can become muddy or even flood after heavy rain, so checking conditions beforehand is a smart move. Parking for the Waterfall Glen Centennial Trail Loop cycling is generally available at various access points around the preserves.

What makes this route stand out is its unique combination of different trail segments, offering a continuous ride without retracing your steps, which is uncommon for the area. Beyond the cycling, Waterfall Glen is a fantastic spot for wildlife spotting, with over 300 species of animals. The blend of natural features and historical significance, including remnants from Chicago's rebuilding after the 1871 fire, adds depth to your ride.

Embark on the Tinley Park loop, a moderate touring cycling adventure spanning 52.9 miles (85.1 km) with a total elevation gain of 1038 feet (316 metres). This route offers a diverse cycling experience, winding through picturesque forest preserves like Hickory Creek Forest and alongside rivers. You can expect varied scenery, including treelined landscapes and views of small lakes such as Turtlehead Lake, making for an engaging ride that typically takes around 4 hours and 55 minutes to complete.

When planning your ride, be aware that while much of the route is paved, some segments incorporate cycleways, roads, singletrack, and street sections. You might encounter unpaved or more challenging parts where dismounting and pushing your bike could be necessary. Convenient public rest areas with pit toilets and water fountains are available along certain sections, which is helpful for this longer journey. Consider starting early to make the most of the daylight and avoid busier times.

This loop is notable for its journey through the Cook County Forest Preserves, offering a chance to traverse restored prairies and wetlands. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, especially along the Cal-Sag Trail near the Lake Katherine Nature Center. The route provides a unique blend of natural beauty and varied terrain, showcasing the diverse ecosystems of the region and offering scenic viewpoints throughout your ride.

The Centennial Trail loop from Lemont offers a pleasant touring cycling experience, winding through a mix of shaded woods and open stretches alongside the Des Plaines River and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. You'll enjoy varied scenery, from natural areas like the Columbia Woods Forest Preserve to glimpses of industrial activity, all on a mostly paved surface. It's a great way to explore the local landscape without significant physical exertion.

This easy 9.0-mile (14.5 km) loop has a minimal 46 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 50 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a casual ride. While the trail is generally smooth, be prepared for some older blacktop or loose gravel in spots, and a one-mile section on Canal Bank Road where you'll share the space with commercial traffic. Parking is typically available in Lemont, and the trail is accessible for most of the year, though checking conditions after heavy rain is always a good idea.

More than just a path, the Centennial Trail is a vital link in the region's trail network, connecting to the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail and the Veterans Memorial Trail. It's also part of the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, offering a glimpse into the area's past. This connectivity allows for longer, customized touring cycling routes if you're looking to extend your adventure beyond this specific loop.