The best cycling routes around South Holland
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Touring cycling routes around South Holland feature a network of paved trails and greenways, offering accessible paths for various cycling abilities. The region is characterized by relatively flat terrain with minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for leisurely rides. These routes often traverse natural areas, including creeks and lakes, providing scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. The infrastructure supports continuous cycling through connected trail systems.
Best touring cycling routes around South Holland
- The most popular touring cycling route is Thorn Creek and Old Plank Road Trail Loop, a 19.9 miles (32.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 49 minutes to complete. This route combines two distinct trails, offering varied scenery through natural landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail, an easy 14.0 miles (22.5 km) path. This trail provides a smooth, paved surface ideal for relaxed cycling through wooded areas.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Maynard Lake – Pennsy Greenway loop from Munster, a 18.7 miles (30.0 km) trail leading through parklands and alongside a lake, often completed in about 1 hour 42 minutes.
- Touring cycling around South Holland is defined by paved greenways, creek-side paths, and lake views. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to moderate longer rides.
- The routes in South Holland are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 13 reviews. More than 77 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore South Holland's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 11, 2026
5.0
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4
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32.1km
01:50
80m
80m
The Thorn Creek and Old Plank Road Trail Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending open prairie with dense woodlands. You'll cycle past picturesque Sauk Lake and through quiet forest preserves like Sweet Woods, enjoying the varied scenery. The route combines the straight, flat Old Plank Road Trail with the more winding Thorn Creek Trail, providing a dynamic ride that keeps things interesting from start to finish.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with multiple access points and parking available along the route. The trail is considered easy, making it suitable for most cyclists, and you can expect to complete the 19.9-mile (32.1 km) loop with its gentle 254 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain in about 1 hour and 49 minutes. Remember to be mindful of street crossings, especially in more urbanized areas, though many have traffic signals for safety.
This loop stands out for its unique combination of two distinct paved trails, offering a journey through both natural and semi-urban landscapes. The Old Plank Road Trail has historical significance as Will County's first rail-to-trail conversion, and the entire route is excellent for wildlife viewing, with potential sightings of egrets, muskrats, and even coyotes in the natural areas. You can also connect to other trails like the Hickory Creek Bikeways for extended adventures.
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22.5km
01:16
60m
60m
The Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience through a varied landscape of woodlands and open meadows. You'll enjoy smooth paved surfaces as you pedal through natural preserves like Sauk Trail Forest Preserve, with a particularly charming loop around Sauk Lake. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you navigate the gentle curves and slight undulations of the path, making for a relaxing and scenic ride.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible and well-maintained. While much of the system has seen recent improvements, be aware that some older sections might still have minor surface imperfections. The trail is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it an excellent choice for a family bike ride or a leisurely outing. Parking is generally available at various access points along the route.
This trail is a key part of the larger Thorn Creek Trail System, providing an extensive network of paved pathways on Chicago's southern outskirts. Its connectivity to other trails, like the Old Plank Road Trail, means you can extend your ride considerably if you're looking for a longer adventure. The diverse ecosystems you'll encounter, from oak-hickory forests to open grasslands, highlight the region's commitment to preserving natural habitats.
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5.0
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16
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23.1km
01:18
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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10
riders
23.5km
01:20
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
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11
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22.0km
01:16
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around South Holland
Tips from the Community
Pennsy Greenway is a 14.5-mile rails-to-trails paved path following the former Penn Central Railway. It currently connects Munster, Indiana, to Lansing, Illinois.
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Pennsy Greenway is a 14.5-mile rails-to-trails paved path following the former Penn Central Railway. It currently connects Munster, Indiana, to Lansing, Illinois.
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The Monon Trail is a 4.4-mile rails-to-trails path that follows the route of the former Monon Railroad. This section connects the suburbs of Hammond and Munster. This trail is not to be confused with the trail of the same name in Indianapolis.
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This pedestrian bridge sits above the intersection of Calumet Avenue and River Drive and helps increase safety at the busy intersection off I-94.
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The Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail is a trail within the Thorn Creek Trail System. The Red Trail is an 11.8-mile trail that starts at Lansing Woods and passes through many wooded parks and neighborhoods as it makes its way down to Sauk Trail Lake.
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With over 10 miles of scenic wooded trails at Sauk Trail Forest Preserve near Chicago, you'll explore prairies, oak savannas, and wetlands, spotting wildlife as you enter this diverse nature escape.
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Closed during construction of South Shore Line towards Munster
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Sauk Trail Lake is a small freshwater lake located in Cook County. It is an enlarged portion of Thorn Creek. It is located in the Sauk Trail Woods Forest Preserve. There is a rich fish fauna in this lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in South Holland?
South Holland offers a diverse selection of touring cycling routes. Our guide features 17 routes, ranging from easy to moderate, ensuring options for various skill levels.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, South Holland is ideal for easy rides due to its flat terrain. Our guide includes 11 easy routes. For example, the Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail is a smooth, paved path perfect for relaxed cycling through wooded areas, and the Pennsy Greenway – Pennsy Greenway loop from Dyer is another easy option.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while cycling in South Holland?
South Holland offers a rich tapestry of landscapes. You'll cycle through iconic polder landscapes with traditional windmills, along tranquil canals and lakes, and past expansive meadows. The region also features coastal dunes and beaches along the North Sea, and in spring, vibrant bulb fields. Parts of the 'Green Heart' provide peaceful peat meadows and traditional farmhouses.
Are there any longer touring cycling routes for more experienced cyclists?
Yes, for those seeking a longer ride, there are moderate options available. The Centennial Trail – Cal-Sag Trail loop from Robbins is a moderate 43.2-mile (69.5 km) route that provides a more extended cycling experience.
What attractions or landmarks can I explore along the cycling routes?
Many routes offer access to interesting sights. You can cycle past the Wolf Lake Boardwalk, cross the Calumet Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, or follow the Little Calumet River. The region is also home to historic cities like Delft, Leiden, and Gouda, and the famous Kinderdijk windmills, which are easily accessible by bike.
Are there circular touring cycling routes in South Holland?
Yes, many routes in South Holland are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Thorn Creek and Old Plank Road Trail Loop and the Maynard Lake – Pennsy Greenway loop from Munster, which leads through parklands and alongside a lake.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in South Holland?
The touring cycling routes in South Holland are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.75 stars from over 13 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paved greenways, scenic creek-side paths, and beautiful lake views that define the region's cycling experience.
When is the best time of year to go touring cycling in South Holland?
The spring months (March-May) are particularly spectacular for cycling in South Holland, as this is when the famous bulb fields burst into vibrant color. Summer offers pleasant weather for leisurely rides, while early autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. The flat terrain makes cycling enjoyable for much of the year.
Are there routes that feature the famous Dutch windmills?
Absolutely. South Holland is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk, featuring 19 historic windmills. Many cycling routes are designed to pass directly through or near these iconic polder landscapes, offering picturesque views and a unique cultural experience.
Can I find routes that offer opportunities for wildlife watching?
Yes, the region's diverse natural areas, such as the Nieuwkoop lake district, the Loosdrechtse Plassen, and National Park De Biesbosch, are rich in birdlife and other wildlife. Cycling routes that traverse these areas, particularly those alongside canals and lakes, can offer excellent opportunities for observing local fauna in their natural habitats.
Are there routes that pass through historic towns or cities?
South Holland's cycling network often connects natural beauty with charming urban centers. You can plan routes that take you through historic cities like Delft, known for its blue pottery, or Leiden, with its academic charm. Gouda, famous for its cheese, is another delightful stop accessible by bike, allowing you to combine cycling with cultural exploration.
What kind of surfaces can I expect on the touring cycling routes?
The touring cycling routes in South Holland are predominantly characterized by paved trails and greenways. This well-developed infrastructure ensures a smooth and accessible cycling experience, suitable for various types of touring bicycles and riders.
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