Fox River – Pratt's Castle loop from Brunner Family Forest Preserve
Fox River – Pratt's Castle loop from Brunner Family Forest Preserve
4.6
(9665)
18,088
riders
Fox River – Pratt's Castle loop from Brunner Family Forest Preserve
02:00
44.9km
170m
Road cycling
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.66 km
Carpenter Dam
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
34.0 km
Fox River
Highlight • River
Tip by
35.2 km
Pratt's Castle
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
36.8 km
Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
37.7 km
Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
39.8 km
East Dundee, Illinois
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
44.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
18.2 km
15.0 km
5.89 km
5.79 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
29.3 km
15.4 km
266 m
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Elevation
Highest point (270 m)
Lowest point (220 m)
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Weather
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Wednesday 15 July
33°C
21°C
-- %
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Fox River – Pratt's Castle loop from Brunner Family Forest Preserve is one of those road cycling routes that offers a lot of scenic payoff for minimal effort. This easy 27.9-mile (44.9 km) route, with just 542 feet (165 metres) of climbing, can be completed in under two hours, making it perfect for a relaxed morning ride or an afternoon spin. If you're looking for a charming ride along the Fox River with a quirky landmark, this loop is definitely worth your time.
What to expect on Fox River – Pratt's Castle loop from Brunner Family Forest Preserve
This route primarily follows the Fox River Trail, offering a varied road cycling experience. You'll find long stretches of smooth asphalt, ideal for cruising, interspersed with some crushed stone sections, particularly within the Brunner Family Forest Preserve. The scenery is a highlight, with the trail meandering along the Fox River, providing natural woods and picturesque views. Keep an eye out for bald eagles along the riverfront, especially in the preserve's high-quality habitat. The ride culminates in a unique photo opportunity at Pratt's Castle in Elgin, a 50-foot replica of a medieval castle, complete with a mini-moat and working drawbridge. While you can't go inside, it's a memorable landmark along the way. Despite some hilly sections between St. Charles and Elgin, the overall easy difficulty makes this route suitable for most cyclists.
Planning your visit
The Brunner Family Forest Preserve in Carpentersville serves as an excellent starting point, offering parking for your convenience. The Fox River Trail is generally accessible, but be aware that some sections are crushed stone, so plan your tire choice accordingly. This route is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, with spring and autumn offering particularly pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Given the open fields in the Brunner Preserve, it can be sunny and windy, so bring adequate sun protection and hydration.
Trail details
- Distance: 27.9 miles (44.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 542 feet (165 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 59 minutes
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