The best road cycling routes around Hickory Hills

There are over 15 road cycling routes around Hickory Hills, offering diverse options for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 45 reviews.

The road cycling routes in Hickory Hills feature a mix of paved and gravel surfaces. You'll find paths winding through wooded areas, alongside waterways like the Cal-Sag Channel and the artificial Saganashkee Slough, and through natural preserves. The area generally has gentle elevation changes, making it accessible for various fitness levels.

Yes, Hickory Hills offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Cal-Sag Trail – Saganashkee Slough loop from Saint James at Sag Bridge Catholic Church is an easy option. Many routes, like sections of the Centennial Trail, pass through treelined, green landscapes, providing a relaxing ride.

While cycling, you can explore diverse natural features. The routes often traverse the Cal-Sag Trail, offering views of the Cal-Sag Channel. You'll also encounter the artificial Saganashkee Slough, a 377-acre lake known for birdwatching. The McClaughry Springs Woods features packed-dirt trails through green forests, and the Centennial Trail offers scenic passages through wooded areas.

Yes, many routes in Hickory Hills are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular circular routes include the Centennial Trail and Waterfall Glen Loop, the Centennial Trail – Centennial Trail loop from Willow Springs, and the Saganashkee Slough loop from Crestwood.

Parking is generally available near the trailheads within the Palos Forest Preserves, which are central to many road cycling routes in the Hickory Hills area. Specific parking information can often be found on local park district websites or detailed komoot tour pages.

While direct public transport access to every trailhead might be limited, some routes, particularly those connecting to larger trail networks like the Old Plank Road Trail, may be accessible via regional public transport options that serve surrounding towns. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for connections to areas near the Palos Forest Preserves.

The routes around Hickory Hills cater to various skill levels. There are 12 easy routes, perfect for a relaxed ride, and 4 moderate routes, which might include slightly longer distances or more varied terrain and elevation changes. There are no difficult routes listed in this guide.

While the routes themselves often pass through natural preserves, the towns and communities surrounding Hickory Hills, such as Crestwood and Willow Springs, offer various cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can refuel before or after your ride. Planning your route with stops in these towns is recommended.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 45 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse trail networks that combine paved and gravel surfaces, the scenic views along waterways like the Cal-Sag Channel, and the peaceful, wooded environments of the Palos Forest Preserves.

Absolutely. Many routes in the Hickory Hills area feature beautiful water views. The Saganashkee Slough loop from Crestwood, for example, leads directly past the artificial Saganashkee Slough. You might also encounter Turtlehead Lake and Bullfrog Lake in the wider Palos Forest Preserves area.

Yes, the trail networks around Hickory Hills are well-connected, allowing for extended rides by combining different paths. For instance, the Centennial Trail and Waterfall Glen Loop already combines two significant trails. The Veterans Memorial Trail also connects with other area trails, facilitating longer, uninterrupted cycling experiences.