Salt Creek and Des Plaines River Trail Loop

The full loop is approximately 55.4 km (34.4 miles) long. For a typical road cyclist, it takes around 2 hours and 13 minutes to complete. However, this can vary depending on your pace, the type of bike you're riding, and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or navigate varied terrain.

The loop offers a diverse mix of surfaces. You'll find long stretches of smooth paved path, especially on parts of the Salt Creek Greenway Trail. However, other sections can be uneven, have crushed gravel, or even narrower, root-filled, or single-track sections, particularly on the Des Plaines River Trail in Cook County. Some older paved areas might also be bumpy. It's generally flat to gently rolling.

While the overall difficulty is considered easy to moderate with mostly flat terrain, some sections, especially on the Des Plaines River Trail in Cook County, can be challenging due to varied surfaces, potential mud, or roots. Flooded underpasses after heavy rain might also require detours onto adjacent streets. It's a good route for beginners comfortable with mixed terrain.

You can expect awe-inspiring scenery, including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. Wildlife sightings are common; look out for deer, birds, snakes, and turtles. The Salt Creek Trail is known for frequent deer sightings, and the Busse Woods area (further north on the Salt Creek Greenway) even has an elk pasture. Both trails follow rivers, offering picturesque water views.

Yes, you'll pass by the Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail, which offers scenic stretches. There's also a View of the Preserve at Oak Meadows. The route also winds through numerous forest preserves, providing a natural escape. The Des Plaines River itself offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking with several launch sites.

Yes, the Salt Creek Greenway Trail is a key link in a larger 210-mile integrated trail network in northeast Illinois. It connects to other major trails like the Illinois Prairie Path and the Great Western Trail. The Des Plaines River Trail also connects to the Cook County Forest Preserve trail system.

Spring, summer, and fall are generally the best times. However, be aware that underpasses can flood after heavy rains, especially in spring, making some sections impassable. Fall offers beautiful foliage. Always check weather conditions before heading out, as varied surfaces can become muddy or slippery.

Generally, dogs are allowed on leash in most forest preserves and trails in the area. However, specific rules can vary by preserve. It's always best to check the local forest preserve district websites (e.g., Cook County Forest Preserves, Lake County Forest Preserves) for the most current regulations regarding dogs on their trails.

No, typically you do not need a permit or have to pay an entrance fee to cycle on the Salt Creek Greenway Trail or the Des Plaines River Trail. These are public trails managed by local forest preserve districts and are generally free to access.

While the tour starts from Elmhurst, there are numerous access points and parking lots along both the Salt Creek Greenway Trail and the Des Plaines River Trail within the various forest preserves. For instance, the Lake County portion of the Des Plaines River Trail is particularly well-maintained with thorough signage and regular facilities, including parking. Check local forest preserve district maps for specific parking lot locations.

While the tour is classified for 'racebike', the varied surfaces mean that a hybrid, gravel, or even a mountain bike might offer a more comfortable and versatile experience, especially on the less maintained or unpaved sections of the Des Plaines River Trail. If you're on a road bike, be prepared for some bumpy or gravelly stretches.