The best cycling routes around Greenwood
5.0
(3)
19
riders
1
ride
Touring cycling around Greenwood offers a variety of routes through parkland and natural reserves. The landscape features lakes and a network of trails, some utilizing former railway lines, providing diverse surfaces for cyclists. Routes often connect local points of interest and offer views of natural features. The area provides options for different preferences, from easier parkland paths to more challenging rides.
Best touring cycling routes around Greenwood
- The most popular touring cycling route is Petersen Park Beach – Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve loop from Pioneer Landing, a 26.1 miles (42.0 km) moderate trail that takes 2 hours 30 minutes to complete. This route features a scenic loop through natural reserves.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Petersen Park Beach loop from McHenry, a moderate 24.3 miles (39.1 km) path. This route offers a pleasant ride with views of the surrounding parkland and lake.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Veteran Acres Park – Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve loop from McHenry, a 14.9 miles (23.9 km) easy trail leading through parkland and natural reserves, often completed in about 1 hour 26 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Greenwood is defined by lakes, natural reserves, and diverse trail surfaces. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy parkland paths to moderate routes.
- The routes in Greenwood are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 3 reviews. More than 19 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Greenwood's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 9, 2026
5.0
(3)
10
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
39.1km
03:02
140m
140m
The Petersen Park Beach loop from McHenry offers a delightful touring cycling experience through a landscape rich with glacial history. You'll wind through rolling prairies, peaceful oak savannas, and past wetlands and lakes, with the Fox River often nearby. The route is mostly paved, providing a smooth ride, and leads you to the tranquil Petersen Park, a 78.9-acre green space with a beach on McCullom Lake, offering a picturesque spot to pause.
This moderate 24.3-mile (39.1 km) loop, with 456 feet (139 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 3 hours and 1 minute to complete. Petersen Park provides convenient parking, restrooms, and drinking water, making it easy to start and finish your ride. The beach on McCullom Lake is open seasonally, so consider checking ahead if you plan to enjoy its amenities.
This loop is a great example of the extensive cycling opportunities in McHenry County, connecting natural preserves and parks. The area's commitment to improving biking infrastructure means you'll find a well-maintained route that showcases diverse ecosystems and scenic viewpoints, making it a popular choice among McHenry Illinois cycling routes.
Sign up for free
7
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Greenwood
Tips from the Community
Veteran Acres Park shines with upland woods, featuring the captivating Wingate Prairie spanning approximately 30 acres. This vibrant ecosystem hosts a variety of captivating flowers, including asters, blazing stars, and sunflowers. Prairies, situated near the ridge tops and sun-facing slopes, showcase plants adapted to drier conditions. The pine woods, dispersed across both parks, stand as another beloved feature, adding to the allure of Veteran Acres and Wingate Prairie.
0
0
Enjoy cycling through the beautiful Sterne’s Fen Nature Preserve. This place became an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1994 and offers rugged tree lined paths for biking. It's a perfect spot for a ride not too far from Chicago!
1
0
The Prairie Trail, spanning McHenry County, is a key component of the broader Grand Illinois Trail. Covering just over 26 miles, it starts at the Wisconsin border, weaving through northern farmlands and woodlands before reaching the suburban landscapes of southern Chicago. Along its path, the trail shifts from gravel to asphalt and passes through eight communities, including those overseen by the McHenry County Conservation District.
0
0
Veteran Acres Park is a gem with its wooded areas and the lovely Wingate Prairie spanning about 30 acres. This vibrant space is home to beautiful flowers like asters, blazing stars, and sunflowers. You'll also find prairies with plants that thrive in drier conditions, along with scattered pine woods, adding to the park's natural charm.
0
0
Hikers can wander woodsy trails or connect to the McHenry County Prairie Trail during outings in Sterne’s Fen Nature Preserve. Since gaining Illinois Nature Preserve status in 1994, the site’s rugged timber trails have offered hiking, biking and even fall wagon rides amid protected wilderness barely beyond the city limits.
0
0
The McHenry County Prairie Trail (MCPT) goes through and skirts around Sterne's Fen Nature Reserve. It is a beautiful retreat back to nature with good walking and mountain biking trails. You can still manage the ride through on your touring bike and it is a lovely and beautiful forest area.
0
0
Peterson Park Beach is set on McCullom Lake which is located at the northwest edge of McHenry. This is a very popular pay and go fishing and swimming spot. There are also lifeguards present at the location if you fancy a dip in the water.
1
0
Runners can wander woodsy trails or connect to the McHenry County Prairie Trail during outings in Sterne’s Fen Nature Preserve. Since gaining Illinois Nature Preserve status in 1994, the site’s rugged timber trails have offered hiking, biking and even fall wagon rides amid protected wilderness barely beyond the city limits.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in the Greenwood area?
This guide features three touring cycling routes around Greenwood. These routes offer a mix of easy and moderate rides, allowing you to explore the local natural reserves and lake areas.
What are the difficulty levels of touring cycling routes in Greenwood?
The routes in this guide range from easy to moderate. For example, the Veteran Acres Park – Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve loop from McHenry is an easy 23.9 km ride, while the Petersen Park Beach – Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve loop from Pioneer Landing is a moderate 41.9 km route. The region offers diverse terrain, from parkland paths to more challenging rides, depending on the specific Greenwood location.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or natural features along the touring cycling routes?
Yes, the Greenwood area is known for its natural beauty. Routes often provide views of lakes and natural reserves. For instance, the Petersen Park Beach – Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve loop takes you through areas with significant natural features. Other Greenwoods, such as in Minnesota, feature scenic trestle bridges and parkland paths, while Greenwood, SC, offers lakeside scenery with opportunities to spot wildlife.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Greenwood?
Yes, all three routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Petersen Park Beach loop from McHenry and the Veteran Acres Park – Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve loop from McHenry.
What do other touring cyclists say about cycling in Greenwood?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Greenwood, with an average score of 5.0 stars based on 3 ratings. Cyclists often appreciate the diverse landscapes and natural settings found along the routes.
Are there family-friendly cycling options in Greenwood?
Yes, there are family-friendly cycling options. The Veteran Acres Park – Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve loop from McHenry is an easy route, suitable for families. Additionally, some Greenwood locations, like Greenwood, IN, feature dedicated trails such as the Play Pocket Trail and Early Learning Trail, designed for engaging experiences for families.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Greenwood's touring cycling routes?
The terrain varies, but you can expect a mix of surfaces. Many routes utilize parkland paths and trails through natural reserves. Some Greenwoods, like Greenwood, DE, feature crushed stone pathways, while others, such as Greenwood, MN, incorporate former railway lines, offering varied cycling experiences.
Are there any specific parks or nature reserves that the routes pass through?
Yes, the routes in this guide often pass through or near significant natural areas. For example, the Petersen Park Beach – Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve loop takes you through Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve. Other Greenwood locations, such as Greenwood, MN, feature routes through Carver Park Reserve and Willow Creek Park District, known for their extensive paved paths.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Greenwood?
While specific conditions vary by location, many Greenwood areas, such as Greenwood, SC, benefit from a mild climate, making cycling enjoyable for much of the year. Spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with blooming wildflowers or vibrant autumn foliage.
Are there options for longer or more advanced touring cycling routes in the broader Greenwood region?
Beyond the routes in this guide, the broader Greenwood region offers options for longer and more challenging rides. For instance, the Upper Greenwood Lake area features routes like the challenging 62.5-mile (100.6 km) Upper Greenwood Lake – Pinecliff Lake loop with significant elevation changes, catering to more advanced cyclists.
Most popular routes around Greenwood
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
