The best cycling routes around Riverdale

There are 13 touring cycling routes around Riverdale, primarily traversing urban greenways and river trails characteristic of the Chicago metropolitan area. These routes often follow waterways like the Cal-Sag Channel and connect various forest preserves.

Yes, Riverdale offers 7 easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. An example is the Bike loop from Oak Forest, which is 13.8 km long and takes about 49 minutes to complete.

The touring cycling routes in Riverdale feature a blend of natural and urban scenery. You'll primarily ride along paved paths, often following waterways like the Cal-Sag Channel, and through developed parklands and connecting forest preserves. The region offers accessible cycling opportunities through urban greenways.

Yes, many of the routes around Riverdale are designed as loops. For instance, the Major Taylor and Thorn Creek Trails Loop is a popular 70 km circular route, and the Cal-Sag Trail – Cal-Sag Trail loop from 107th Street (Beverly Hills) offers a 56 km loop experience.

While cycling, you can explore several interesting spots. Consider visiting the Wolf Lake Boardwalk, enjoying the views at Calumet Beach, or passing through the serene Dan Ryan Woods. The Illinois Pennsy Greenway is also a significant cycling path in the area.

The touring cycling routes in Riverdale are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained urban greenways and the scenic river trails that offer accessible riding through varied terrain.

While there are no routes officially graded as 'difficult,' Riverdale offers 6 moderate routes for those seeking a longer ride. The Centennial Trail – Cal-Sag Trail loop from Robbins is a moderate 69.5 km path that provides extensive riding along the Cal-Sag Channel and through various green spaces.

Yes, many of the easy and moderate routes are suitable for families, especially those that stick to the paved, flat urban greenways and river trails. These paths offer a safe and enjoyable environment for cyclists of all ages. The shorter easy routes are particularly good for families.

Route durations vary significantly. Shorter, easy rides like the Bike loop from Oak Forest can be completed in under an hour, while longer moderate loops such as the Major Taylor and Thorn Creek Trails Loop can take around 4 hours.

While some popular routes can see more traffic, exploring the various forest preserve trails and less central sections of the Cal-Sag Channel paths might offer a quieter experience. Checking komoot for recent tour activity can also give an indication of current popularity.

Given the urban and parkland nature of the routes, parking is generally available at various access points to the greenways and forest preserves. Many trailheads and parks along the routes, such as those near Oak Forest or Beverly Hills, offer designated parking facilities for cyclists.

Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Riverdale, with milder temperatures and lush scenery. While some routes may be accessible in winter, conditions can vary, so it's always best to check local weather and trail reports.