The best road cycling routes around Libertyville

There are nearly 40 road cycling routes around Libertyville, offering a variety of options for different skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars.

Road cycling in Libertyville features an extensive network of trails, characterized by flat to gently rolling paths. You'll often find yourself following riverways and passing through picturesque prairies and woodlands, connecting various forest preserves and natural areas.

Yes, Libertyville offers several easy routes perfect for beginners. For example, the Des Plaines River Trail – Boardwalk at Century Park loop from Mundelein is an easy 20-mile ride that follows the scenic Des Plaines River Trail, including a boardwalk section.

For those seeking a longer ride, the Deer Grove Nature Preserve – Lakewood Forest Preserve loop from Mundelein is a moderate 67-mile route that connects multiple forest preserves. Another option is the Butler Lake Picnic Park – Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve loop from Prairie Crossing, a moderate 36.6-mile path offering varied scenery.

Spring, summer, and fall are generally excellent for road cycling in Libertyville. The extensive trail system, including the Des Plaines River Trail and North Shore Bike Path, provides pleasant riding conditions through diverse landscapes. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions may vary due to snow and ice.

Many forest preserves and trailheads in the Libertyville area offer designated parking. For instance, the Des Plaines River Trail has official parking areas along its length. Independence Grove Forest Preserve and Oak Openings Nature Preserve also provide access points with parking for cyclists.

You'll encounter several notable attractions. Along various routes, you might pass by Independence Grove Lake, the Des Plaines River bridge, or through natural areas like MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve and Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve. The Chicago Botanic Gardens loop from Mundelein also takes you near this popular attraction.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Libertyville are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Des Plaines River Trail – Boardwalk at Century Park loop from Mundelein and the Des Plaines River Trail – Old School Forest Preserve loop from Libertyville.

While Libertyville has some public transport options, direct access to all trailheads via public transport might be limited. The North Shore Bike Path and other major trails are primarily designed for local access, often requiring a short ride or connection from public transport hubs.

Many of the easy and moderate routes, particularly those on paved or crushed limestone paths within forest preserves like the Des Plaines River Trail, are suitable for families. These trails often have gentle gradients and offer scenic, traffic-free environments.

The komoot community highly rates the road cycling in Libertyville, with an average of 4.9 stars. Cyclists often praise the extensive and well-maintained trail system, the diverse natural landscapes including prairies and woodlands, and the interconnectedness of trails that allow for varied route planning.

While popular trails like the Des Plaines River Trail can see significant use, exploring routes that venture deeper into less-trafficked forest preserves or during off-peak hours can offer a more serene experience. The interconnected nature of the trails allows for discovering quieter sections.