Des Plaines River Trail – Independence Grove Lake loop from Prairie View

Des Plaines River Trail – Independence Grove Lake loop from Prairie View

Moderate

3.2

(11)

riders

Des Plaines River Trail – Independence Grove Lake loop from Prairie View

02:17

43.9km

120m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel 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: October 16, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

5.10 km

Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds

Highlight • Lake

Here you will find a gorgeous network of flat, crushed gravel trails that connect with the Des Plaines River Trail and other nearby preserves. The trails take you around scenic …

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6.21 km

Des Plaines River bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The Des Plaines River flows southwards from Wisconsin and down through Illinois. It makes for an excellent cycling companion thanks to the trails that wind alongside it. This bridge spans …

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8.62 km

Des Plaines River Trail is a popular 2 mile popular gravel trail located near Mettawa, Illinois, that runs largely along the water. It is popular with cyclists, walkers, runners, and the occasional horseback rider.

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22.0 km

Independence Grove Lake

Highlight • Lake

A very nice pond where you can observe dragonflies and water birds.

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27.4 km

Des Plaines River Trail

Highlight • Trail

33.6 km

MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve

Highlight • Forest

MacArthur Woods is a preserved forest that showcases the original landscape of the eastern Des Plaines River Valley. The area features a diverse mix of plants, creating an important habitat …

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36.8 km

Des Plaines River Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

You can follow the trail for 56 miles along the Des Plaines River with gorgeous views of local preserves, watersheds, forests, and marshes. The trail is wide packed gravel and …

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37.7 km

Des Plaines River Trail – Half Day Forest Preserve

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Des Plaines River Trail stretches over 56 miles along the Des Plaines River, offering a scenic natural escape through Lake and Cook Counties, just outside Chicago. This multi-use trail …

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43.9 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types