Des Plaines River - Waterfall Glen Trail & Centennial Trail Loop

The loop is rated as moderate for touring cycling. While the Centennial Trail is mostly flat and paved, the Waterfall Glen Trail features continuous rolling hills and crushed limestone surfaces, providing a good workout. It's suitable for cyclists looking for a varied experience.

The route offers a mix of surfaces. The Waterfall Glen Trail section primarily consists of crushed limestone and some turf, with notable rolling hills. The Centennial Trail is largely paved with asphalt, though some sections may also be crushed limestone. A gravel or hybrid bike is recommended to comfortably handle the varied terrain.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access and cycle the trails within Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve or the Centennial Trail. These are public multi-use trails.

Parking is available at various access points for both the Waterfall Glen Trail and the Centennial Trail. For Waterfall Glen, popular parking lots are located off Cass Avenue or Lemont Road. For the Centennial Trail, you can find parking in towns like Romeoville or Lockport, or at connecting forest preserves.

Spring, summer, and fall are generally the best seasons for cycling this loop. The natural beauty, especially in Waterfall Glen, is vibrant during these months. Be aware that some sections, particularly on the Waterfall Glen Trail, can become muddy after heavy rains. The Centennial Trail offers more consistent conditions due to its paved sections.

The loop is rich in natural beauty. Waterfall Glen features diverse ecosystems including prairies, savannas, woodlands, and the popular Rocky Glen waterfall. The Centennial Trail follows the Des Plaines River and Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, offering shaded forest sections and opportunities for birdwatching. Expect views of various bodies of water and abundant wildlife throughout.

Yes, both the Waterfall Glen Trail and the Centennial Trail are dog-friendly. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

Key highlights include the diverse ecosystems and the Rocky Glen waterfall within Waterfall Glen. Along the route, you'll also ride on the Centennial Trail and the Cal-Sag Trail. The route also passes by the East Shore of Saganashkee Slough, offering scenic water views.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. It extensively uses the Route 66 and the Centennial Trail. You'll also ride on parts of the Yellow Paved Trail, Cal-Sag Trail, and the Main Trail, among others. This connectivity allows for potential extensions to your ride.

Given the mix of crushed limestone and paved surfaces, a gravel bike or a hybrid bike is ideal for this loop. While road bikes can handle the paved sections of the Centennial Trail, the rolling hills and unpaved sections of Waterfall Glen are better navigated with wider tires and more robust frames.

The Waterfall Glen Trail is known for its continuous rolling hills, meaning there's 'almost no flat ground.' Some turns at the bottom of hills can be sharp. An insider tip is to be mindful of conditions after rain, as some sections can become muddy. While suitable for all levels, the elevation changes provide a good workout, so pace yourself accordingly.