1.
Hickory Creek Forest – Old Plank Road Trail loop from Mokena
35.3km
01:29
90m
90m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
The best road cycling routes around Marley
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 1, 2026
If you've ever tried planning road cycling around Marley, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many routes to choose from, it's tough to figure out which ones are genuinely worth your legs and which are just filler. We get it – you want to spend your time riding, not endlessly researching.
That's exactly why we've put this guide together. Our komoot community has explored, mapped, and reviewed the best road cycling routes in Marley, and we've done the heavy lifting to bring you a curated selection. Consider this your shortcut to the most rewarding rides, saving you the guesswork and getting you straight to the good stuff.
Road cycling around Marley is defined by its accessible, generally flat to gently rolling terrain, making it a fantastic spot for all skill levels. You'll find a wonderful network of paved rail-trails and greenway paths winding through prairie landscapes, past oak trees, and alongside forest preserves like Hickory Creek Preserve. It’s a region that offers both scenic beauty and easy navigation, with routes ranging from comfortable loops to longer, more challenging distances.
If you only have time for one ride, we'd point you straight to the Hickory Creek Forest – Old Plank Road Trail loop from Mokena. At 21.9 miles (35.3 km), it’s an easy route that delivers a big payoff, connecting through beautiful forested areas and along the popular Old Plank Road Trail. For those looking for a longer, more moderate challenge, the Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail – Old Plank Road Trail loop from Mokena, at 40.5 miles (65.1 km), combines two major trail systems for varied scenery. Dive in and discover why over 100 road cyclists have already explored Marley with komoot!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hickory Creek Forest – Old Plank Road Trail loop from Mokena | 35.3 km | 90 m | Easy |
| Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail – Old Plank Road Trail loop from Mokena | 56.2 km | 140 m | Moderate |
| Old Plank Road Trail – Lions Park loop from Mokena | 36.9 km | 130 m | Easy |
| Old Plank Road Trail loop from Frankfort | 18.8 km | 30 m | Easy |
| Hickory Creek Preserve – Cleveland Road Trail loop from Mokena | 16.1 km | 70 m | Easy |
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2.
Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail – Old Plank Road Trail loop from Mokena
56.2km
02:14
140m
140m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3.
Old Plank Road Trail – Lions Park loop from Mokena
36.9km
01:30
130m
130m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
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4.
Old Plank Road Trail loop from Frankfort
18.8km
00:42
30m
30m
The Old Plank Road Trail loop from Frankfort offers a delightful and easy road cycling experience, covering 11.7 miles (18.8 km) with a mere 93 feet (28 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 42 minutes. You'll glide through a mix of wooded areas and open prairie, especially as you pass by the Dewey Helmick and Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserves, where you might spot diverse wildlife. The trail is fully paved, making it an ideal choice for beginner road cycling routes Frankfort Illinois has to offer, providing a smooth ride through varied scenery.
Starting from Frankfort, you'll find convenient access and amenities in the vibrant downtown area, which the trail passes directly through. While the Old Plank Road Trail parking Frankfort options are plentiful in town, be prepared for frequent street crossings that require caution and can break your rhythm. This route is best enjoyed during daylight hours, and it's a great option for family cycling, though you should always be aware of your surroundings at intersections.
This historic rail-trail is notable for preserving remnants of Chicago's original tallgrass prairie and features an impressive arrowhead-shaped suspension bridge over US 45. It's part of a larger regional network, connecting to other trails like the Hickory Creek Bikeway, which allows for creating longer, more varied Old Plank Road Trail loops. The trail's flat terrain and natural features Old Plank Road Trail make it a popular choice for a relaxed outing.
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5.
Hickory Creek Preserve – Cleveland Road Trail loop from Mokena
16.1km
00:59
70m
70m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
6.
Orland Grassland South – Orland Grassland loop from 159th Street & 115th Court
27.7km
01:18
100m
100m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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7.
Saganashkee Slough – Lock Number 1 loop from Fiddyment Creek Preserve
90.3km
04:17
250m
250m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
View route
8.
Hickory Creek Forest – Cleveland Road Trail loop from Frankfort
18.5km
00:57
80m
80m
The Hickory Creek Forest – Cleveland Road Trail loop offers a wonderfully serene road cycling experience, guiding you through a peaceful woodland environment. You'll glide along mostly well-paved surfaces, enjoying the diverse habitats of the Hickory Creek Preserve, from forests to prairies. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species, and enjoy the picturesque bridges that span Hickory Creek, providing lovely viewpoints along the way.
This easy 11.5-mile (18.5 km) loop has a modest 261 feet (80 metres) of elevation gain, making it a quick ride that typically takes around 57 minutes. The preserve provides convenient parking, restrooms, and picnic areas, so planning your visit is simple. It's a great option for a relaxed outing, especially during the fall when the foliage is at its peak.
Part of the larger 1,540-acre Hickory Creek Preserve, this trail is a segment of a significant natural resource in Will County, Illinois. The preserve protects diverse ecosystems and is even home to an Illinois Nature Preserve, ensuring its natural beauty is permanently protected. It's a fantastic spot for anyone looking for an accessible and scenic escape into nature.
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9.
Evergreen View Park – Water Tower at Crescent Park loop from 179th Street (Orland Park)
39.9km
01:57
150m
150m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Tips from the Community
mtm05005
July 30, 2024, Hickory Creek Preserve
Hickory Creek Preserve is a 1,540 acre nature reserve in Will County. The preserve has miles of paved and unpaved trails that are open to the public. There is also parking, restrooms and several picnic areas.
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mtm05005
July 30, 2024, Cleveland Road Trail
The Cleveland Road Trail is a popular multiuse trail in Hickory Creek Preserve. It is fully paved and mostly flat, so it is a great way to run through the nature preserve.
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mtm05005
July 30, 2024, Lions Park
Lions Park is a great green park in Joliet. There is a small nature trail that takes you through a green, wooded area. The Old Plank Road Trail also passes along the perimeter of the park.
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mtm05005
July 30, 2024, Old Plank Road Trail
The Old Plank Road Trail is a 22-mile-long trail that runs from Joliet to Sheboygan. The trail is paved and connects several parks and nature preserves.
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AverieOutside
December 20, 2023, Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail
The Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail is a trail within the Thorn Creek Trail System. The Red Trail is an 11.8-mile trail that starts at Lansing Woods and passes through many wooded parks and neighborhoods as it makes its way down to Sauk Trail Lake.
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oliviakellis
August 9, 2023, Sauk Trail Forest Preserve
With over 10 miles of scenic wooded trails at Sauk Trail Forest Preserve near Chicago, you'll explore prairies, oak savannas, and wetlands, spotting wildlife as you enter this diverse nature escape.
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Amy
October 18, 2022, Old Plank Road Trail
This is a 22-mile (35 km) paved trail through Sheboygan County. You ride past lots of wildlife en route. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and beavers along the river.
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Amy
October 18, 2022, Hickory Creek Forest
This beautiful preserve protects forests, prairie, savanna and wetland habitats. You'll find lots of wildlife here such as woodpeckers. In winter, trails are open for cross-country and skiing. There are also plenty of picnic shelters – great if you get caught out in the rain on your bike trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Marley?
There are 13 road cycling routes around Marley, primarily centered on the Old Plank Road Trail in Will County, Illinois. These routes offer diverse landscapes and cater to various skill levels.
Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Marley?
Yes, Marley offers several easy road cycling routes. Seven of the available routes are classified as easy, making them perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. The Old Plank Road Trail itself is a paved rail-trail, ideal for a smooth experience.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around Marley?
Road cycling routes around Marley are predominantly paved rail-trails, offering a smooth surface. You'll experience diverse landscapes, including stretches through oak trees, sugar maples, and prairie grasses. Many routes pass through nature preserves like the Dewey Helmick and Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserves.
Are there any longer road cycling routes for experienced riders in Marley?
Yes, for those seeking a longer ride, there are several moderate routes. For example, the Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail – Old Plank Road Trail loop from Mokena is a moderate 40.5-mile (65.1 km) path that combines two major trail systems, offering varied scenery through prairies and natural areas.
What are some scenic highlights or attractions along the road cycling routes in Marley?
While cycling around Marley, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Routes often pass through areas like Orland Grassland and Messenger Marsh. The Old Plank Road Trail itself is a highlight, known for its high-quality black soil prairie remnants and diverse plant and animal life. You might also spot wildlife such as herons, egrets, and beavers.
Are there loop road cycling routes available in Marley?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Marley are designed as loops, providing a convenient way to start and end your ride at the same point. Examples include the popular Hickory Creek Forest – Old Plank Road Trail loop from Mokena and the Old Plank Road Trail – Lions Park loop from Mokena.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Marley?
The road cycling routes in Marley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paved rail-trails, the peaceful prairie landscapes, and the opportunity to cycle through natural areas and preserves.
Is there parking available near the road cycling trails in Marley?
Yes, trailheads for the Old Plank Road Trail and connecting systems typically offer designated parking areas. For example, routes starting from Mokena or Frankfort will have accessible parking options nearby to facilitate your ride.
Can I find cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the road cycling routes?
The Old Plank Road Trail passes through Frankfort's historic downtown, which offers access to shops and restaurants. This provides convenient opportunities to stop for refreshments or a meal during your ride.
What is the best time of year for road biking in Marley?
Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road biking in Marley. The diverse landscapes, including prairie grasses and tree-lined paths, are particularly beautiful during these seasons. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any unique natural features to look out for while cycling?
Yes, the region is known for its natural beauty. The Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserve, accessible via the trail, is recognized for its high-quality black soil prairie remnants and a rich variety of rare prairie plants and animals. You might also encounter an award-winning, arrowhead-shaped suspension bridge that carries the trail over US 45.
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