The best cycling routes around Old Mill Creek
4.8
(33)
241
riders
27
rides
Touring cycling around Old Mill Creek offers routes through a landscape defined by forest preserves, wetlands, and river trails. The area features the Des Plaines River Trail and Millennium Trail, providing diverse terrain for cyclists. These routes often traverse woodlands, marshes, and prairies, with generally gentle elevation changes.
Best touring cycling routes around Old Mill Creek
- The most popular touring cycling route is Van Patten Lake Dock loop from Six Flags Great America, a 27.1 miles (43.6 km) trail that takes 3 hours 38 minutes to complete. This route offers scenic views around Van Patten Lake.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Des Plaines River Trail – Independence Grove Lake loop from Six Flags Great America, a moderate 20.5 miles (33.0 km) path. This route follows sections of the Des Plaines River Trail and circles Independence Grove Lake.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Gurnee Public Park loop from Vendor Campground, a 27.9 miles (45.0 km) trail leading through local park areas, often completed in about 3 hours 52 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Old Mill Creek is defined by extensive river trails, forest preserves, and open prairies. The network offers options for both easy and moderate ability levels.
- The routes in Old Mill Creek are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Old Mill Creek's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
4.3
(3)
21
riders
25.9km
01:56
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
16
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(3)
21
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
8.22km
00:42
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
16
riders
69.6km
06:07
190m
190m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful views
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This bike repair station along the Des Plaines River Trail is equipped with an air pump, tire levers, Allen wrenches, and screwdrivers—perfect for quick adjustments and on-the-go maintenance.
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The Lake at Independence Grove is a must-visit stop along the Des Plaines River Trail, offering cyclists a scenic and easy ride through a 115-acre retreat. Once a gravel quarry, this reclaimed space now features smooth paths, gentle terrain, and beautiful lake views—perfect for beginners and family-friendly outings. Visit in the spring, and you might spot colorful wildflowers adding even more charm to this peaceful ride.
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This stretch of the Des Plaines River Trail is perfect for beginner cyclists and families looking for a smooth, scenic ride. Towering trees provide shade in the summer, while autumn turns the path into a golden tunnel of leaves. In spring, fresh greenery and wildflowers make it feel like a hidden sanctuary. With a well-maintained, mostly flat trail, it’s an easy and enjoyable ride for all ages.
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A bridge with a metal frame and wooden flooring carries hikers over a small stream flowing into the Des Plaines River. It’s a quiet place along the trail to pause and hear the water below. Visit in the early morning for a calm stop and a chance to see dragonflies near the stream’s edge
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The Lake at Independence Grove, a highlight along the Des Plaines River Trail, offers hikers a scenic 115-acre retreat within a reclaimed gravel quarry. If you're visiting in the spring, you may be able to spot colorful warblers along the surrounding woodlands!
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Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve encompasses wetlands, groves of large oaks, and open prairies teeming with wildflowers and native grasses. It features smooth gravel trails, bridges, and boardwalks, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy birdwatching along the way.
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Third Lake is the biggest of the lakes within the Rolling Savanna Forest Preserve Area. This side of the lake is a residential area, but has a beautiful view of the woods surrounding the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Old Mill Creek?
There are over 25 touring cycling routes around Old Mill Creek, with a good mix of easy and moderate options. You'll find 18 easy routes and 11 moderate routes, ensuring there's something for various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Old Mill Creek?
The terrain around Old Mill Creek is quite varied, featuring extensive trail networks like the Des Plaines River Trail and Millennium Trail. You'll encounter wide, packed gravel paths, smooth gravel trails, and some paved sections. The routes generally have gentle elevation changes, making them accessible for many cyclists.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or casual riders?
Yes, Old Mill Creek offers 18 easy touring cycling routes. A great option for a relaxed ride is the McDonald Lake – Millennium Trail loop from Grandwood Park, which is 25.9 km long and features gentle terrain.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the touring cycling routes?
Many routes traverse beautiful natural areas. You can cycle past Independence Grove Lake, explore the wetlands and oak groves of Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve, or cross the Stone Bridge Over the River in Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve. The Des Plaines River Trail itself offers picturesque views of preserves, forests, and marshes.
Are the touring cycling routes around Old Mill Creek suitable for families?
Yes, many routes are family-friendly due to their gentle terrain and smooth paths. The trails within Independence Grove Forest Preserve, for example, are ideal for cyclists of all levels, including families, offering scenic lake views.
Can I spot wildlife while cycling in Old Mill Creek?
Absolutely. The region's woodlands, marshes, and prairies provide habitat and migration corridors for various wildlife. Areas like Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve are known for wildlife spotting and birdwatching, especially with its wetlands and oak groves.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Old Mill Creek?
The touring cycling routes in Old Mill Creek are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the diverse natural landscapes, and the well-maintained trail networks like the Des Plaines River Trail and Millennium Trail.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Old Mill Creek are designed as loops. For instance, the Van Patten Lake Dock loop from Six Flags Great America is a popular circular route offering scenic views, and the Gurnee Public Park loop from Vendor Campground also provides a circular experience through local park areas.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Old Mill Creek?
Spring and fall are generally ideal for touring cycling in Old Mill Creek, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. In spring, you can enjoy colorful wildflowers, particularly in preserves like Independence Grove. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for warmer weather.
Which routes offer a good balance of distance and scenic views?
For a route that combines moderate distance with excellent scenery, consider the Des Plaines River Trail – Independence Grove Lake loop from Six Flags Great America. This 33 km route follows sections of the Des Plaines River Trail and circles the picturesque Independence Grove Lake.
Are there any routes that specifically highlight the Millennium Trail?
Yes, the Millennium Trail – Millennium Trail loop from Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve is a great option. This 30.3 km route allows you to experience a significant portion of the versatile Millennium Trail, passing through areas with wetlands and oak groves.
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