Camp Pine Woods Preserve – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Schiller Park
Camp Pine Woods Preserve – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Schiller Park
4.7
(7096)
17,665
riders
Camp Pine Woods Preserve – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Schiller Park
03:51
46.8km
70m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 7.36 km for 127 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
7.42 km
Dam Number 4 North Preserve
Nature Reserve
9.87 km
Algonquin Woods Preserve
Nature Reserve
12.7 km
Des Plaines River
Highlight • River
Tip by
19.6 km
Camp Pine Woods Preserve
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
21.2 km
Lake Avenue Woods
Forest
22.0 km
Allison Woods
Forest
23.6 km
Rest Area by the River
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
24.0 km
Allison Woods Preserve
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
25.8 km
Des Plaines River Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
31.4 km
Railway crossing
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
38.8 km
Des Plaines River Trail – Riverside View
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
40.0 km
Des Plaines River Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
46.8 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
31.7 km
4.23 km
4.08 km
3.75 km
2.75 km
276 m
Surfaces
31.0 km
9.58 km
4.80 km
885 m
390 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Monday 15 June
25°C
11°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a substantial touring cycling route that feels like a true escape from urban life, the Camp Pine Woods Preserve – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Schiller Park delivers. This moderate 29.1-mile (46.8 km) route, with a gentle 220 feet (67 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 3 hours and 51 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for cyclists with good fitness who want to explore the natural beauty of Cook County.
What to expect on Camp Pine Woods Preserve – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Schiller Park
This loop takes you on a dynamic journey through varied ecosystems, including oak-hickory woodlands, maple forests, prairies, and wetlands, all winding alongside the Des Plaines River. The terrain is a mix of crushed limestone, packed dirt, and some unpaved sections, which can be challenging with roots, rocks, and occasional dips, especially in the Cook County portion of the Des Plaines River Trail. You'll find peaceful, shaded wooded sections interspersed with open prairie areas, offering frequent opportunities for wildlife spotting like deer and hawks. While the elevation changes are minimal, the varied surfaces contribute to its moderate difficulty, making it best suited for hybrid, gravel, or mountain bikes and cyclists who enjoy a more natural, less manicured path.
Planning your visit
Before heading out, it's wise to check trail conditions, as underpasses along the Des Plaines River Trail can be prone to flooding after heavy rains, potentially making some sections impassable. The trail is a year-round destination, but spring and summer are ideal for cycling. While specific parking for the Schiller Park start isn't detailed, the broader Des Plaines River Trail system offers numerous forest preserves with convenient parking and restrooms. Always carry enough water, especially during warmer months, to stay hydrated on this nearly four-hour ride.
Trail details
- Distance: 29.1 miles (46.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 220 feet (67 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 3 hours and 51 minutes
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