The best gravel rides around Des Plaines

Des Plaines offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 15 trails documented on komoot. These range from easy rides to more challenging options, primarily along the extensive Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway.

Yes, Des Plaines is very beginner and family-friendly. The Des Plaines River Trail, which forms the backbone of the region's gravel biking, is predominantly flat and features crushed limestone surfaces, making it ideal for those new to gravel biking or riding with children. There are at least 4 easy routes available.

The gravel biking routes in Des Plaines vary in length and duration. Many popular routes are moderate, ranging from approximately 23 to 32 miles (38 to 52 km) and taking between 3 to 4 hours to complete. For example, the Des Plaines River Trail – Dam Number 1 Woods loop from Des Plaines is about 23.7 miles (38.1 km) and takes around 3 hours 21 minutes.

The gravel bike trails in Des Plaines are primarily characterized by crushed limestone surfaces, especially along the Des Plaines River Trail. The terrain is largely flat, winding through various forest preserves and alongside the Des Plaines River, offering a smooth and scenic ride.

The trails offer access to diverse natural landscapes and attractions. You'll ride through numerous forest preserves like Dam Number 1 Woods, Harms Woods Preserve, and Caldwell Woods. The Des Plaines River itself is a constant feature, and you might also encounter lakes such as Busse Lake — North and Main Pools, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic stops.

Yes, many of the gravel biking routes in Des Plaines are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Des Plaines River Trail – Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds loop from Prospect Heights and the Des Plaines River Trail – Catherine Chevalier Woods loop from Kennicott Grove.

Yes, the Des Plaines River Trail and its connecting forest preserves typically offer ample parking facilities at various access points. These preserves are designed for public use and recreation, making it convenient to park and start your ride.

The gravel biking experience in Des Plaines is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 40 reviews. Riders often praise the well-maintained crushed limestone trails, the serene forest preserve settings, and the consistent presence of the Des Plaines River, which offers beautiful views and a peaceful riding environment.

The Des Plaines River Trail and the forest preserves it traverses are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. It's always a good idea to check specific preserve rules before your visit, but in general, your canine companion can join you on your gravel biking adventure.

The Des Plaines area offers enjoyable gravel biking for much of the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with spring bringing wildflowers and fall showcasing vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, though it can be warm, while winter biking is possible for those prepared for colder conditions, offering unique scenic views, especially in areas like Captain Daniel Wright Woods.

While much of the Des Plaines River Trail is relatively flat, some routes offer varying elevation gains that can provide a more challenging experience for experienced riders. The region has at least 1 difficult route among its 15 trails, allowing for more strenuous rides if desired.