The best MTB trails around Glen Ellyn
5.0
(3)
12
riders
10
rides
Mountain biking around Glen Ellyn, Illinois, offers access to a varied landscape characterized by rolling hills, extensive forest preserves, and natural waterways like the West Branch DuPage River and Salt Creek. The region's topography, shaped by historical waterways, provides a more diverse terrain than typical for the Chicagoland area. Dedicated mountain bike trails and multi-use paths like the Illinois Prairie Path traverse prairies, woods, and wetlands, providing a range of riding experiences.
Best mountain bike trails around Glen Ellyn
- The most popular mountain bike trail is West Branch DuPage River Trail Loop, a 7.9 miles (12.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour to complete. This easy route offers scenic riverfront views within the Blackwell Forest Preserve.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail, an easy 8.3 miles (13.4 km) path. This trail connects the Danada and Herrick Lake Forest Preserves, showcasing diverse landscapes.
- Local mountain bikers also love the St. James Farm Loop Trail, a 3.9 miles (6.3 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 25 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Glen Ellyn is defined by rolling hills, extensive forest preserves, and multi-use paths that traverse prairies and wetlands. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging singletrack sections in surrounding preserves.
- The routes in Glen Ellyn are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 3 reviews. More than 15 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Glen Ellyn's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 31, 2026
5.0
(2)
3
riders
12.8km
00:59
20m
20m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
13.4km
00:44
30m
30m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
1
riders
6.34km
00:26
20m
20m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
11.1km
00:37
30m
30m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
7.88km
00:38
10m
10m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Once the railbed of the Chicago Great Western Railroad, the Great Western Trail is now a lovely, mostly flat ride on a surface of crushed limestone dust.
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Timber Lake sits at the south end of the Timber Ridge Forest Preserve and is visible from the Timber Ridge Trail. The 1,149-acre nature preserve offers mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and more.
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Step back in time as you explore the historic farmsteads dating to the late 1800s at this site. A rare gabled-roofed farmhouse remains, one of the last of its style in DuPage County, along with a massive wood-planked German barn dating back to 1890, if not earlier. The worn fieldstone foundation of another vintage barn can still be spotted. In the 1920s, Chauncey and Marion McCormick acquired the property, pursuing their passion for horses by building colonial-style red brick stables with imported English iron posts. To support their award-winning herd of Guernsey cows, they constructed an innovative dairy barn with spacious stalls and various outbuildings that set the standard for Midwest farmers. Later, their son Brooks and wife Hope erected the indoor arena that hosted equestrian events and a therapeutic riding program. Today, this charming arena with idyllic river birch views can be rented out for small gatherings, letting you experience the rich agricultural history of this special place.
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The total length of the Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail is about 8 miles long and is a popular path for mountain biking, hiking, and running. This crushed gravel path visits beautiful spots in the suburb area like Rice Lake, Herrick Lake, Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, and Danada Forest Preserve.
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St. James Farm Bike Trail is a wide gravel path that weaves through St. James Farm, passing natural beauties like forests, fields, and streams, as well as some interesting man-made features like the "Horse and Hound Cemetery", some naturally planted woods with trees all in a neat row, and even a railroad car on a display can be found on the north end of East Pond.
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Sanctuary Pond is a small pond that forms from the West Branch Dupage River. It is calm and surrounded by thick woods.
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This elevated viewing platform over McKee Marsh gives visitors a good look into the marsh. There is also a trail map here, and the set of stairs to get up the platform is pretty short.
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Blackwell's McKee Marsh is a year-round haven for birdwatchers. A viewing platform near the water's edge offers close-up views of wetland species like blue herons, wood ducks, blue-winged teals, and sandpipers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available around Glen Ellyn?
Glen Ellyn offers a significant network for mountain biking, with over 50 designated trails across 12 areas. Komoot features 9 specific mountain bike routes in the immediate vicinity, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families in Glen Ellyn?
Yes, Glen Ellyn has several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the West Branch DuPage River Trail Loop is an easy 7.9-mile route with scenic riverfront views. Another great option is the Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail, an easy 8.3-mile path connecting two forest preserves.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in Glen Ellyn?
The terrain around Glen Ellyn is characterized by rolling hills, extensive forest preserves, and natural waterways. Trails traverse prairies, woods, and wetlands, offering a more varied landscape than typical for the Chicagoland area. You'll find a mix of multi-use paths like the Illinois Prairie Path and dedicated singletrack sections within the forest preserves.
Are there any loop trails for mountain biking in Glen Ellyn?
Yes, many mountain bike trails in Glen Ellyn are designed as loops, providing a convenient riding experience. Popular loop options include the West Branch DuPage River Trail Loop in Blackwell Forest Preserve and the St. James Farm Loop Trail, which leads through varied terrain.
What are some scenic spots or natural attractions to see along the mountain bike trails?
Glen Ellyn's trails often pass through beautiful natural areas. You can explore the prairies, woods, and wetlands of the Danada Forest Preserve, or enjoy the riverfront views along the West Branch DuPage River Trail. The McKee Marsh Observation Platform in Blackwell Forest Preserve is a great spot for birdwatching, and Herrick Lake offers picturesque views.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about the trails in Glen Ellyn?
The mountain bike trails around Glen Ellyn are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the well-maintained paths through forest preserves, and the scenic beauty of the natural landscapes.
Are there any longer mountain bike routes for more endurance-focused rides?
While many routes are shorter, you can combine trails or utilize multi-use paths like the Illinois Prairie Path for longer rides. The Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail, at 8.3 miles, is one of the longer individual routes featured, and it connects two significant forest preserves, allowing for further exploration.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, most forest preserves and parks in Glen Ellyn that host mountain bike trails, such as Blackwell Forest Preserve, Danada Forest Preserve, and Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, offer designated parking areas for visitors. The Illinois Prairie Path also has accessible points with parking, including a bike repair station in Prairie Path Park.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Glen Ellyn?
Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the best conditions for mountain biking in Glen Ellyn, with pleasant temperatures and lush scenery. However, the multi-use paths and some forest preserve trails can also be enjoyed during milder winter days, though conditions may vary with snow and ice.
Are there any advanced or challenging singletrack trails in the Glen Ellyn area?
While many of the featured routes are easy to moderate, the surrounding forest preserves do offer sections that require more advanced riding skills. Maryknoll Park, for example, is known for having a significant number of dedicated mountain biking trails, some of which may present more technical challenges than the wider multi-use paths.
Can I bring my dog on the mountain bike trails?
Many forest preserves in the Glen Ellyn area are dog-friendly, but specific rules regarding leashes and trail access for dogs may vary by preserve and trail. It's always best to check the regulations of the specific forest preserve or park you plan to visit beforehand to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
What amenities are available near the mountain bike trails, such as cafes or restrooms?
Glen Ellyn village and its surrounding areas offer various amenities. You'll find cafes, restaurants, and shops in downtown Glen Ellyn, which is easily accessible from the Illinois Prairie Path. Many forest preserves also provide restrooms and picnic areas, such as North Island in Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve or Meadow Lake Picnic Area.
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