Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Wheeling

Mountain biking trails

Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Wheeling

Moderate

4.9

(5161)

10,031

riders

Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Wheeling

03:24

45.1km

90m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 27, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 180 m for 8 m

After 45.0 km for 8 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

4.10 km

Des Plaines River Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Des Plaines River Trail is a multi-use trail that follows the course of the Des Plaines River. It passes through picturesque, remarkable places.

Tip by

12.4 km

Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds

Highlight • Lake

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 …

Tip by

13.5 km

Des Plaines River bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The Des Plaines River flows southwards from Wisconsin and down through Illinois. It makes for an excellent cycling companion thanks to the trails that wind alongside it. This bridge spans …

Tip by

27.5 km

MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve

Highlight • Forest

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 …

Tip by

28.9 km

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.

Tip by

30.7 km

Des Plaines River Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

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 …

Tip by

31.6 km

Des Plaines River Trail – Half Day Forest Preserve

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

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 …

Tip by

45.1 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types