Thorn Creek and Old Plank Road Trail Loop

There are multiple access points and parking areas available for both the Old Plank Road Trail and the Thorn Creek Trail system. Many locations offer restrooms and picnic areas. For specific parking details, it's advisable to check local park district websites or komoot's route planner.

Yes, the loop is generally considered easy and suitable for a wide range of cyclists, including beginners and families. The Old Plank Road Trail is mostly flat and paved, while the Thorn Creek Trail, though slightly curvier and 'a little hilly' in sections, remains accessible. The main challenge might be the numerous street crossings in busier areas.

The loop combines two distinct trail types. The Old Plank Road Trail is primarily a flat, paved linear path, following an old railway alignment. The Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail system is also paved but offers a more wooded, curvy experience with some gentle hills, especially around Sauk Lake (Sauk Trail Lake). Pavement conditions can vary, with some sections needing resurfacing.

You'll experience diverse scenery. The Old Plank Road Trail features oak trees, sugar maples, prairie grasses, and wildflowers, passing through towns and natural preserves like Dewey Helmick and Old Plank Road Prairie, where you might spot egrets, herons, muskrats, coyotes, and beavers. The Thorn Creek Trail offers a more secluded feel, winding through dense woods, open meadows, and along Thorn Creek, rich in wildlife, particularly around Sauk Lake (Sauk Trail Lake).

Spring, summer, and fall are generally excellent times to cycle this loop, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. During these seasons, you'll enjoy wildflowers in the prairies and lush foliage in the wooded sections. While accessible year-round, winter cycling might involve colder temperatures and potential snow or ice on the trails.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Thorn Creek and Old Plank Road Trails themselves. These are public trails managed by local park districts. However, always check for any specific regulations if you plan to visit particular facilities or preserves along the way.

Yes, both the Old Plank Road Trail and the Thorn Creek Trail are generally dog-friendly. Dogs are usually permitted but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

The loop passes through Sauk Trail Forest Preserve, which offers a natural escape with dense woods and open meadows. The section around Sauk Lake (Sauk Trail Lake) is particularly scenic and known for wildlife viewing. There are no specific entrance fees for the preserve itself, but standard forest preserve rules apply, such as keeping dogs leashed and staying on marked trails.

Yes, the Old Plank Road Trail is a significant connector. It directly links to the Thorn Creek Trail system in Chicago Heights, forming this loop. Additionally, the Old Plank Road Trail connects to several other trails, including the Hickory Creek Bikeway, Route 30 Bikeway, Wauponsee Glacial Trail, and the I&M Canal State Trail, expanding your touring possibilities. It is also part of the Great American Rail Trail.

Beyond the natural beauty of Sauk Trail Forest Preserve and Sauk Lake (Sauk Trail Lake), the Old Plank Road Trail features an award-winning, arrowhead-shaped suspension bridge over US 45 in Frankfort. Frankfort's historic downtown, accessible from the trail, offers shops and restaurants. You can also visit Park Forest's Railfan Park to watch trains from a raised viewing platform.

Yes, you'll find amenities along the loop, particularly in towns like Frankfort, which is situated directly on the Old Plank Road Trail. Frankfort offers shops, restaurants, and a farmer's market (May-October). Multiple access points for both trails often provide restrooms and picnic areas. It's a good idea to carry water and snacks, especially for longer stretches between towns.