Highlight • Lake
Busse Lake — North and Main Pools
Cycling
5.0
(23)
Road cycling
5.0
(11)
Hiking
5.0
(8)
Tips
August 21, 2024
Hiking
June 23, 2018
Hiking
November 15, 2023
Cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Busse Lake — North and Main Pools
4.5
(32)
129
riders
15.5km
00:54
30m
30m
The Busse Woods Red Loop Trail offers a delightful, easy touring cycling experience through the scenic Ned Brown Forest Preserve. This 9.6-mile (15.5 km) route, with its minimal 102 feet (31 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick 53-minute spin, guiding you past the tranquil North and Main Pools of Busse Lake. It's a fantastic option for a relaxed ride, allowing you to soak in the natural surroundings without any strenuous effort.
Parking is readily available at various access points around the Ned Brown Forest Preserve, making it convenient to start your ride. While the trail is generally accessible, checking for any seasonal advisories or peak-time crowds is always a good idea. The best time to cycle is often during the milder months of spring and fall, when the weather is pleasant and the natural beauty of the preserve is at its peak.
This popular Busse Woods cycling trail is known for its well-maintained, paved surface, making it suitable for all types of touring bicycles and riders. The preserve is home to diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for nature viewing as you cycle. It's a family-friendly option, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for cyclists of all ages to explore the Busse Woods bike paths.
5.0
(12)
64
hikers
12.0km
03:02
30m
30m
The Busse Woods Red Loop Trail is a 7.4-mile paved hike in Ned Brown Forest Preserve, offering lake views and a chance to spot elk.
1
riders
87.0km
03:43
150m
160m
Embark on a scenic road cycling adventure through the Salt Creek and Busse Woods Trail Loop, a moderate 54.0 miles (87.0 km) journey with a gentle 508 feet (155 metres) of elevation gain. This route guides you through diverse landscapes, from the mature hardwood forests and wetlands of Busse Woods to the meandering, wooded banks of Salt Creek. You'll enjoy continuous paved paths, often passing by the expansive Busse Lake and even catching a glimpse of the resident elk herd, making for a truly engaging ride that takes approximately 3 hours and 43 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is largely accessible and well-maintained, making it a favorite for families and casual cyclists. However, its popularity means it can get busy, especially on weekends, so an early start might offer a more serene experience. The extensive network of trails and overpass bridges ensures a smooth, uninterrupted ride, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.
What truly sets this trail apart is its blend of accessibility and natural immersion within a substantial network. The connection between the Salt Creek Trail and Busse Woods creates a vast recreational area, offering over 40 miles of riding through Cook and DuPage Counties. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a longer, yet not overly strenuous, ride with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting and enjoying varied natural scenery.
Details
Informations
Elevation 210 m
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Sunday 26 July
32°C
21°C
42 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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