The best cycling routes around Deerfield
4.6
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580
riders
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Touring cycling routes around Deerfield traverse a landscape characterized by river corridors, extensive forest preserves, and dedicated bikeway networks. The region offers predominantly flat to gently rolling terrain, making it suitable for various cycling abilities. These routes often follow the Des Plaines River and connect various natural areas, providing a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces.
Best touring cycling routes around Deerfield
- The most popular touring cycling route is Des Plaines River Trail – Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds loop from Wheeling, a 24.9 miles (40.0 km) trail that takes 3 hours 12 minutes to complete. This moderate route connects sections of the Des Plaines River Trail with forest preserve ponds.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Skokie Lagoons – North Branch Trail loop from Fort Sheridan, a moderate 33.3 miles (53.6 km) path. This route offers scenic views as it loops through the Skokie Lagoons and along the North Branch Trail.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Small Lake – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Fort Sheridan, a 26.5 miles (42.7 km) trail leading through a small lake area and connecting to the Skokie Valley Bikeway, often completed in about 2 hours 29 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Deerfield is defined by river trails, forest preserves, and dedicated bikeways. The network offers options for both easy and moderate ability levels, with 29 easy and 18 moderate routes available.
- The routes in Deerfield are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 90 reviews. More than 600 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Deerfield's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 29, 2026
5.0
(1)
34
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(9)
21
riders
43.2km
02:31
130m
130m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(22)
47
riders
42.8km
02:29
60m
60m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
62.7km
04:46
140m
140m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This forest preserve offers a quiet escape from the city with a good selection of trails. All the trails are well marked and well maintained. You can also connect to the Des Plains River Trail to explore further afield.
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This stretch of the Des Plaines River Trail at Cahokia Flatwoods Forest Preserve guides hikers through a serene woodland, with a dirt path winding under tall oaks and maples. Surrounded by green undergrowth and dappled sunlight, it’s a peaceful escape near the river
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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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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 for breeding forest birds, including the brown creeper, red-shouldered hawk, broad-winged hawk, veery, pileated woodpecker, and several rare warblers.
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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Deerfield?
Deerfield offers a good selection of touring cycling routes, with over 45 options available. These include 29 easy routes and 18 moderate routes, catering to various skill levels.
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Deerfield?
The touring cycling routes in Deerfield are predominantly easy to moderate. You'll find 29 easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride, and 18 moderate routes for those looking for a bit more challenge. There are no routes classified as difficult in this area.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Deerfield's touring cycling routes?
The routes around Deerfield feature a landscape characterized by river corridors, extensive forest preserves, and dedicated bikeway networks. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, with a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, often following the Des Plaines River.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Deerfield?
Yes, many of Deerfield's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. For example, the Skokie Lagoons – North Branch Trail loop from Fort Sheridan and the Small Lake – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Fort Sheridan are popular circular options.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Deerfield?
The touring cycling routes in Deerfield are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 90 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic river trails, well-maintained bikeways, and the peaceful atmosphere of the forest preserves.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Deerfield?
Given the predominantly easy and moderate terrain, many of Deerfield's 29 easy routes are suitable for families. These routes often follow dedicated bikeways and forest preserve paths, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. Consider routes that stick to the main bikeway networks for the smoothest ride.
What are some scenic viewpoints or natural attractions along the touring cycling routes?
Along Deerfield's touring cycling routes, you can explore several natural attractions. The Skokie Lagoon No. 3 and Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds offer beautiful waterside views. You might also pass through areas like MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve or Dam Number 1 Woods, providing a pleasant natural backdrop to your ride.
Where can I find parking or trailheads for touring cycling in Deerfield?
Many touring cycling routes in Deerfield start from or pass through various forest preserves and parks, which typically offer parking facilities. For instance, routes like the Des Plaines River Trail – Dam Number 1 Woods loop from Buffalo Grove often have designated parking areas at their starting points or nearby access points to the trail network.
Can I access Deerfield's touring cycling routes using public transport?
While direct public transport access to every trailhead might vary, Deerfield is served by Metra commuter rail, which can provide access to the general area. From train stations, you may need to cycle a short distance to reach the main bikeway networks like the Des Plaines River Trail or Skokie Valley Bikeway. Check local transit schedules for specific connections.
Are there any touring cycling routes that connect to the Skokie Valley Bikeway?
Yes, the Skokie Valley Bikeway is a key part of the touring cycling network in Deerfield. Routes like the Small Lake – Skokie Valley Bikeway loop from Fort Sheridan and the Skokie Valley Bikeway – Green Bay Trail loop from Lake Forest directly incorporate sections of this popular bikeway, offering smooth and scenic rides.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Deerfield?
The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Deerfield. Spring brings blooming nature, while summer provides warm weather. Autumn is particularly scenic with changing foliage. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can vary.
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