Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail

The Thorn Creek and Old Plank Road Trail Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending open prairie with dense woodlands. You'll cycle past picturesque Sauk Lake and through quiet forest preserves like Sweet Woods, enjoying the varied scenery. The route combines the straight, flat Old Plank Road Trail with the more winding Thorn Creek Trail, providing a dynamic ride that keeps things interesting from start to finish.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with multiple access points and parking available along the route. The trail is considered easy, making it suitable for most cyclists, and you can expect to complete the 19.9-mile (32.1 km) loop with its gentle 254 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain in about 1 hour and 49 minutes. Remember to be mindful of street crossings, especially in more urbanized areas, though many have traffic signals for safety.

This loop stands out for its unique combination of two distinct paved trails, offering a journey through both natural and semi-urban landscapes. The Old Plank Road Trail has historical significance as Will County's first rail-to-trail conversion, and the entire route is excellent for wildlife viewing, with potential sightings of egrets, muskrats, and even coyotes in the natural areas. You can also connect to other trails like the Hickory Creek Bikeways for extended adventures.

The Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience through a varied landscape of woodlands and open meadows. You'll enjoy smooth paved surfaces as you pedal through natural preserves like Sauk Trail Forest Preserve, with a particularly charming loop around Sauk Lake. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you navigate the gentle curves and slight undulations of the path, making for a relaxing and scenic ride.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible and well-maintained. While much of the system has seen recent improvements, be aware that some older sections might still have minor surface imperfections. The trail is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it an excellent choice for a family bike ride or a leisurely outing. Parking is generally available at various access points along the route.

This trail is a key part of the larger Thorn Creek Trail System, providing an extensive network of paved pathways on Chicago's southern outskirts. Its connectivity to other trails, like the Old Plank Road Trail, means you can extend your ride considerably if you're looking for a longer adventure. The diverse ecosystems you'll encounter, from oak-hickory forests to open grasslands, highlight the region's commitment to preserving natural habitats.

Embark on a unique cycling adventure with the Major Taylor and Thorn Creek Trails Loop, a moderate 43.6-mile (70.1 km) touring bicycle route that promises a diverse landscape. You'll pedal through urban stretches and residential areas on the Major Taylor Trail, then transition to the tranquil woodlands and open meadows of the Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail. With just 479 feet (146 metres) of elevation gain, this nearly 4-hour ride offers a fascinating blend of historical sites, like those honoring Marshall "Major" Taylor, and natural beauty, including opportunities for wildlife spotting near Sauk Lake.

Planning your ride means being ready for a moderate challenge, primarily due to the route's length and the need to navigate numerous road crossings, some without traffic lights. While the trails are mostly paved and well-maintained, some segments might be unpaved, requiring attentiveness. There are no specific permits required, but always be mindful of your surroundings and other trail users on this extensive loop.

This loop stands out for its rich historical significance, particularly along the Major Taylor Trail, which celebrates the legacy of the pioneering Black cyclist. The route's diverse scenery, from urban corridors to the secluded natural beauty of the Thorn Creek Trail System, offers a varied experience not commonly found in a single ride. Its excellent connectivity to other regional trails, like the Cal-Sag Trail and Old Plank Road Trail, also provides options for extending your journey and exploring more of Cook County's extensive trail network.