1.
Herrick Lake – Danada Forest Preserve loop from Glen Ellyn
45.1km
02:17
130m
130m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best traffic-free bike rides around Glen Ellyn
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 28, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan gravel biking around Glen Ellyn, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many trails crisscrossing the area, it's tough to figure out which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want to hit the best gravel, not spend hours sifting through maps.
That's where komoot comes in. Our community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes, so we've done the legwork for you. This guide is your curated shortcut to the best no traffic gravel bike trails in Glen Ellyn, saving you the guesswork and pointing you straight to the rides that deliver.
Gravel biking in Glen Ellyn is all about exploring a surprisingly diverse landscape of gently rolling terrain, from peaceful forest preserves to open prairies and wetlands. The area shines with its extensive network of interconnected multi-use trails, like the Illinois Prairie Path and Great Western Trail, offering long stretches of crushed gravel perfect for your bike. You'll find everything from easy, scenic loops to more challenging moderate routes, all designed to keep you away from traffic and immersed in nature.
If you only do one route, make it the Herrick Lake – Danada Forest Preserve loop from Glen Ellyn. At 28.0 miles (45.1 km), it's our most popular choice for a reason, exploring significant forest preserves with varied terrain. For a slightly shorter, equally rewarding ride, the St. James Farm Preserve – Silver Lake Lakeside View loop from Glen Ellyn is a top favourite, offering scenic views over 17.6 miles (28.3 km). With more than 140 gravel bikers already exploring Glen Ellyn with komoot, you're in good company. Get out there and start pedaling!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herrick Lake – Danada Forest Preserve loop from Glen Ellyn | 45.1 km | 130 m | Moderate |
| St. James Farm Preserve – St. James Farm Preserve loop from Glen Ellyn | 42.8 km | 120 m | Moderate |
| Herrick Lake Forest Preserve – Danada Forest Preserve loop from Glen Ellyn | 59.3 km | 200 m | Moderate |
2.
St. James Farm Preserve – St. James Farm Preserve loop from Glen Ellyn
42.8km
02:08
120m
120m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
3.
Herrick Lake Forest Preserve – Danada Forest Preserve loop from Glen Ellyn
59.3km
03:03
200m
200m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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Tips from the Community
Alex
June 23, 2025, Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail
The total length of the Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail is about 8 miles long and is a popular path for mountain biking, hiking, and running. This crushed gravel path visits beautiful spots in the suburb area like Rice Lake, Herrick Lake, Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, and Danada Forest Preserve.
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oliviakellis
June 23, 2025, St. James Farm Preserve
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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This is where the Wheaton Bike Route Network intersects with Illinois Prairie Path Aurora Branch. While most parts of the Illinois Prairie Path is unpaved, it is hard packed stone, so you could ride it with a road bike with thicker tires.
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Alex
May 4, 2025, Memorial Park, Wheaton
Memorial Park is located just north of downtown Wheaton. It was constructed in 1921 and is the city's oldest park. In 2020, it got a renovation, and now the state-of-the-art bandshell, a Veterans Memorial, and the Lions Terrace are in tip-top shape. It is lively all summer with events like the Summer Entertainment Series, Cream of Wheaton, Shakespeare in the Park, and HOPtober Fest. The facilities are clean, and this little park is a great place to stop.
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maniboyflex
January 17, 2025, Waycar at St. James Farm Preserve
St. James Farm Preserve covers 607 acres of trails through fields, woods, and wetlands. Once an equestrian facility, it now features well-maintained paths, along with an old waycar and historic buildings.
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0
maniboyflex
January 17, 2025, Rathje Park
Rathje Park is a small, family-friend, local park that features open spaces, lakes, shaded areas, and paved trails, making it a good spot for a quick break or a brief ride.
1
0
oliviakellis
July 1, 2024, St. James Farm Preserve
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.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available around Glen Ellyn?
There are over 20 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike routes around Glen Ellyn featured in this guide. These routes vary in length and difficulty, offering options for different skill levels.
What are the general conditions of the gravel trails in Glen Ellyn?
The trails around Glen Ellyn, including sections of the Illinois Prairie Path and Great Western Trail, feature a mix of crushed gravel and paved surfaces. Many are described as 'fine P gravel,' making them ideal for gravel bikes. Forest preserves like Danada and Blackwell also offer varied terrain, from smooth paths to more challenging unpaved segments.
Are there any family-friendly no-traffic gravel bike routes in the area?
Yes, Glen Ellyn offers several family-friendly options. Routes that stick to the main sections of the Illinois Prairie Path or Great Western Trail are generally flatter and well-maintained. For a pleasant, shorter ride, consider exploring the paved trails within Lake Ellyn Park, which also has playgrounds and picnic areas.
What kind of attractions can I see along these no-traffic gravel bike trails?
Many routes pass through beautiful natural areas. You can explore the diverse landscapes of Danada Forest Preserve with its prairies, woods, and wetlands, or visit Herrick Lake. The McKee Marsh Observation Platform in Blackwell Forest Preserve is excellent for birdwatching. The Timber Ridge Trail also connects various scenic spots.
Where can I find parking for gravel trails near Glen Ellyn?
Parking is generally available at various access points for major trails like the Illinois Prairie Path and Great Western Trail. Many forest preserves, such as Herrick Lake and Blackwell, also provide designated parking areas. For instance, a bike repair station and parking are conveniently located at Prairie Path Park in downtown Glen Ellyn.
Are there any dog-friendly gravel bike trails in the Glen Ellyn area?
Many of the forest preserve trails and sections of the regional paths are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. Always check specific preserve rules before heading out. Areas like Danada Forest Preserve and Blackwell Forest Preserve are popular choices for outdoor activities with pets.
What is the best season for gravel biking in Glen Ellyn?
Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Glen Ellyn, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter riding is possible, but trails may be covered in snow or ice, requiring appropriate gear and caution.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the no-traffic routes in Glen Ellyn?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of quiet, car-free trails, the diverse natural beauty of the forest preserves, and the well-maintained crushed gravel surfaces that are perfect for gravel bikes. The connectivity between trails like the Illinois Prairie Path and Great Western Trail is also a highlight.
Are there any longer, more challenging no-traffic gravel bike routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders looking for longer distances, consider routes that combine multiple forest preserves. For example, the Herrick Lake Forest Preserve – Danada Forest Preserve loop from Glen Ellyn covers nearly 60 km with moderate elevation, offering a substantial ride through varied terrain.
Can I find cafes or pubs near the gravel trails in Glen Ellyn?
Yes, Glen Ellyn's downtown area is easily accessible from the Illinois Prairie Path and offers various cafes, restaurants, and pubs where you can refuel or relax after your ride. Many other towns along the major trail systems also provide amenities for cyclists.
What is the longest no-traffic gravel bike route available in this guide?
The longest route featured in this guide is the Herrick Lake Forest Preserve – Danada Forest Preserve loop from Glen Ellyn, which spans approximately 59 kilometers (36.7 miles) and includes a moderate amount of elevation gain.
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