Pond at Lakewood Forest Preserve

This moderate road cycling route through Lakewood Forest Preserve offers a dynamic ride, blending paved and gravel sections across 50.5 miles (81.3 km) with 1259 feet (384 metres) of elevation gain. You'll pedal through diverse landscapes, from oak/hickory woodlands to sedge meadows, with the highlight being the exceptionally clear waters of Schreiber Lake, a unique glacial bog. The route takes approximately 3 hours and 32 minutes, making it a rewarding half-day adventure for cyclists with good fitness.

Accessing the Lakewood Forest Preserve – Schreiber Lake loop from Prairie View is straightforward, with parking available at the starting point. Given the route's length and mixed terrain, it's wise to carry ample water and snacks. Spring and autumn provide the most pleasant riding conditions, avoiding the extremes of summer heat or winter cold. Be ready for some unpaved sections, particularly around Schreiber Lake itself, which adds to the adventure.

The Lakewood Forest Preserve is Lake County's largest, spanning nearly 3,000 acres and showcasing impressive kettle and moraine topography formed by glaciers. Schreiber Lake is a significant natural feature, recognized as a bog nature preserve and home to rare plant and bird species. This route is also part of the broader Millennium Trail system, offering continuous travel and a chance to explore more of Lake County's natural heritage.

The Deer Grove Nature Preserve – Lakewood Forest Preserve loop from Mundelein offers a fantastic road cycling experience through some of Illinois' most beautiful natural areas. You'll pedal through diverse ecosystems, from the rolling upland forests and wetlands of Deer Grove to the expansive oak savannas and prairies of Lakewood Forest Preserve, home to the significant Wauconda Bog. The route combines paved multi-use trails with some potential gravel sections, providing a constantly changing backdrop of dense woodlands and open landscapes.

This moderate 67.1-mile (107.9 km) road cycling route, with 1648 feet (502 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes to complete. It's a great option for cyclists looking for a longer, varied ride. While primarily on paved surfaces, be ready for some alternating gravel sections, particularly on the Millennium Trail, which connects these two preserves. Plan to carry enough water and snacks for the duration, and consider visiting in spring or fall for the best weather and scenery.

This loop is notable for connecting two of the region's most ecologically significant preserves. Deer Grove is Cook County's oldest forest preserve, recognized for its high-quality natural areas and restoration efforts. Lakewood, Lake County's largest preserve, boasts nearly 3,000 acres of pristine wetlands and woodlands, providing critical habitat for numerous species. This route offers a unique opportunity to explore these natural treasures and their rich history on two wheels.