The best MTB trails around Prospect Heights
4.6
(27)
46
riders
9
rides
Mountain biking around Prospect Heights offers a network of trails primarily characterized by paved paths, natural prairie habitats, and river corridors. The region features multi-use paths suitable for various activities, often connecting to larger park systems and forest preserves. These routes typically present lower elevation gains, making them accessible for a range of skill levels. The landscape includes wooded areas and open prairie, providing diverse scenery for mountain bikers.
Best mountain bike trails around Prospect Heights
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Busse Woods Red Loop Trail, a 7.6 miles (12.3 km) trail that takes about 38 minutes to complete. This easy route winds through a wooded forest preserve, offering a scenic and accessible ride.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Des Plaines River Trail, an easy 14.7 miles (23.7 km) path. This trail follows the Des Plaines River, providing a long, relatively flat ride through natural areas.
- Local mountain bikers also love the North Branch Trail System Loop, a 46.9 miles (75.4 km) trail leading through extensive forest preserves, often completed in about 3 hours 58 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Prospect Heights is defined by multi-use paved paths, river trails, and forest preserves. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy family friendly mountain bike trails to longer moderate routes.
- The routes in Prospect Heights are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 30 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Prospect Heights's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
3.07km
00:14
10m
0m
Mountain biking the easy 1.9-mile Busse Woods Red Trail offers a relaxed ride through forests and meadows, with views of Busse Lake and elk.
4.5
(2)
8
riders
12.3km
00:38
20m
20m
Mountain bike the easy 7.6-mile Busse Woods Red Loop Trail through Ned Brown Forest Preserve, featuring diverse scenery and wildlife.
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5.0
(5)
5
riders
23.7km
01:41
30m
30m
This easy 14.7-mile mountain biking trail in Cook County offers diverse terrain, river views, and wildlife sightings.
1
riders
75.4km
03:59
140m
140m
This 46.9-mile mountain biking loop on the North Branch Trail System offers a moderate ride through forests and along Skokie Lagoons.
5.0
(9)
7
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Prospect Heights
Tips from the Community
This bronze sculpture is a tribute to General Sheridan, a Civil War general. It depicts him on a horse during Battle of Five Forks in April 1865.
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Just easy walk. No special equipment required. Good and comfortable shoes only😁
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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 ponds, by picnic areas, and through the woods. This is a great place to see birds who use the ponds as migratory stops.
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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 shared with hikers and the occasional horseback rider. Here your pass through the County Forest Preserve which has its own scenic trail network.
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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 features a mix of surfaces, including pavement, crushed stone, and single-track forest paths, making for an exciting and varied biking experience. The northern sections are well-maintained and popular, while the southern portions become narrower and more rugged. This particular portion of the Des Plaines River Trail passes through Half Day Forest Preserve with nice views of the river and several ponds.
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Nice bridge over Salt Creek on the Busse Forest Red Paved Trail. At this point, Salt Creek is fairly wide and passes through wetlands.
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The trails surrounding Skokie Lagoon are smoothly paved and include gentle hills. Truly a lovely path two steps away from the Chicago Botanic Gardens!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available around Prospect Heights?
There are 9 mountain bike trails around Prospect Heights, offering a variety of experiences from easy rides through forest preserves to longer routes along river corridors.
Are there easy or family-friendly mountain bike trails in Prospect Heights?
Yes, the region is well-suited for easy rides. 5 of the 9 trails are rated as easy, such as the Busse Woods Red Loop Trail, which is 7.6 miles long and winds through a scenic forest preserve.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in Prospect Heights?
The trails primarily feature paved paths, natural prairie habitats, and river corridors. You'll find multi-use paths, often connecting to larger park systems and forest preserves, with generally lower elevation gains, making them accessible for a range of skill levels.
Are there any mountain bike loop trails in Prospect Heights?
Yes, several trails offer loop options. The Busse Woods Red Loop Trail is a popular 7.6-mile loop, and the extensive North Branch Trail System Loop covers 46.9 miles through forest preserves.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy the most about mountain biking in Prospect Heights?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 20 reviews. Riders often praise the scenic routes through wooded areas and natural prairie, as well as the accessibility of the multi-use paths.
Are there any longer mountain bike routes for more endurance-focused rides?
For longer rides, consider the North Branch Trail System Loop, which spans 46.9 miles and typically takes around 4 hours to complete. The Des Plaines River Trail also offers a substantial 14.7-mile path along the river.
What natural attractions or landmarks can I see along the mountain bike trails?
Many trails pass by beautiful natural features. For instance, routes near Busse Woods will take you close to Busse Lake — North and Main Pools and through the Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods). The North Branch Trail system also offers views of Skokie Lagoon No. 3.
Are there any advanced mountain biking trails in Prospect Heights?
The mountain bike trails around Prospect Heights are generally characterized by lower elevation gains and multi-use paths, making them suitable for easy to moderate skill levels. There are no trails specifically rated as difficult in this guide.
Can I find trails that follow river paths in Prospect Heights?
Yes, the Des Plaines River Trail is an excellent option, following the Des Plaines River for 14.7 miles through natural areas, providing a relatively flat and scenic ride.
What is the typical duration for mountain bike rides in this area?
Ride durations vary depending on the trail. Shorter loops like the Busse Woods Red Loop Trail can be completed in under 40 minutes, while longer routes such as the North Branch Trail System Loop can take nearly 4 hours.
Are there any forest preserves accessible by mountain bike in Prospect Heights?
Absolutely. Many trails run through or connect to forest preserves. The Busse Woods Red Loop Trail is located within the Ned Brown Forest Preserve, and the North Branch Trail System Loop traverses extensive forest preserve areas.
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