The best cycling routes around Chicago

Touring cycling routes around Chicago are predominantly flat, offering an extensive network of dedicated paths and trails. You'll find diverse environments, from paved lakefront paths with city skyline views to unpaved trails winding through woodlands and prairies in the region's numerous forest preserves and river systems.

Yes, Chicago offers many easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Chicago Lakefront and Route 66 Loop is an easy 15.6-mile (25.1 km) path that combines scenic lakefront sections with a portion of historic Route 66. Overall, 144 out of 180 routes in the area are rated as easy.

For those seeking longer rides, the North Branch Trail and Botanic Garden Loop is a popular choice, spanning 57.9 miles (93.3 km) through river corridors and woodlands. The Illinois Prairie Path also offers a network of 61 miles of trails, extending into various western suburbs.

Absolutely. The iconic Lakefront Trail, including routes like the Lakefront Trail (26.3 miles), provides continuous, stunning views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. Promontory Point, accessible from the Lakefront Trail, is particularly known for excellent skyline vistas.

Yes, many routes in the Chicago area are designed as loops. Beyond the Chicago Lakefront and Route 66 Loop, the North Branch Trail offers a 4-mile paved loop around the Skokie Lagoons, accessible via the main trail, providing a pleasant circular option.

Chicago's touring cycling routes offer access to a variety of natural and man-made attractions. Along the Lakefront Trail, you can find the Montrose Beach Dunes Natural Area. Further afield, the Des Plaines River Trail winds through diverse habitats including woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. The Busse Woods (Ned Brown Preserve) features ancient tree canopies, Busse Lake, and even elk pastures.

Chicago's flat terrain and extensive network of dedicated paths make it very family-friendly for touring cyclists. Many easy routes, particularly along the Lakefront Trail and within various forest preserves, are suitable for all ages. The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail) is another unique, elevated urban path that offers a safe and engaging experience for families.

The touring cycling routes in Chicago are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.8 stars from over 300 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the well-maintained paths, diverse scenery, and the accessibility of both urban and natural environments.

The best time for touring cycling in Chicago is typically from spring through fall (April to October), when the weather is mild and the natural landscapes are vibrant. Summer offers warm temperatures perfect for lakefront rides, while spring and fall provide comfortable conditions and beautiful foliage, especially on trails through forest preserves.

Many of Chicago's urban and suburban trails are well-connected to public transport. The Lakefront Trail, for example, is easily accessible from various CTA train and bus lines. The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail) also weaves through neighborhoods with good public transport links, making it convenient to start and end your ride.

Parking is generally available at various access points for Chicago's touring cycling routes, especially in the forest preserves and suburban trailheads. Many forest preserves, such as those along the Des Plaines River Trail or in Busse Woods, offer dedicated parking lots. For urban routes, public parking garages or street parking might be available near trail entrances, though it's advisable to check specific locations beforehand.

Yes, Chicago offers unique urban cycling experiences. The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail) is an elevated park and trail system built on a former railway line, providing distinct city views, art installations, and native landscaping as it passes through neighborhoods like Bucktown and Wicker Park. This offers a different perspective compared to traditional ground-level routes.