The best gravel rides around Volo

For those riding out from the City of Chicago to the countryside of McHenry County, the Metra Rail Service offers regular and convenient service to Union Station in downtown Chicago. The City of McHenry also has a wide variety of restaurants and bars with outdoor dining facilities to relax, quench a thirsty throat or satisfy a hungry stomach.

The stretch of the McHenry / Illinois Prairie Trail Bergseen Richmond and Ringwood is a ver smooth cycling path on hard packed limestone. It is very suitable for road bikes, as well as gravel and MTB. I would highly recommend tyres with widths of =>28mm. The path is well kept, with the exception of within the city limits of Richmond. The trail is paved south of Ringwood all the way down to Oswego, IL with the exception of one or two small sections of hard packed roadbike suitable gravel. In Ringwood itself is a bar located directly on the trail with an outdoor terrace which makes it easy to for one to dine and drink, while being able to keep an eye on your bike.

There is a low traffic road which more or less parallels the busy County Highway H. These roads are all asphalted, mostly smooth surfaced asphalt with the occasional blemish here and there. Rolling hills and country farms dot each side of the road. A very enjoyable route, except the last 2 miles on County Highway H has a lot of vehicle traffic, but the shoulder is wide and clean. For the most part of this section the motorists were very nice, leaving ample room when passing.

I love cycling to this village. It has many outdoor cafés and bars which are great when cycling, just park your bike, near your table so you can keep an eye on it. The restaurants serve very good food, If you are an early bird, a very hearty breakfast with real well balanced coffee is made. If you are Italian, German, Swiss or French and looking for a good strong European coffee, stop here. In the evening it is really nice with the bars and their open patios.

This beautiful well packed and smooth cycle path on hard packed gravel is a joy, until one gets into the Richmond City Limits. It seems the city does not take very well care of their trail under their jurisdiction. The crossings are rough with some short cement edges and some metal objects sticking out. Look before you cross, as they can be rough. Richmond it self is a beautiful village with a very European touch to it. Filled with great restaurants and well preserved brick buildings.

This stretch of Harts Road in the Wildlife Zone is in much better shape than the rest of the road. The pavement is asphalt with a few blemishes here and there but easily rode with tyres => 28mm.

Beautiful area

The Lake at Independence Grove is a must-visit stop along the Des Plaines River Trail, offering cyclists a scenic and easy ride through a 115-acre retreat. Once a gravel quarry, this reclaimed space now features smooth paths, gentle terrain, and beautiful lake views—perfect for beginners and family-friendly outings. Visit in the spring, and you might spot colorful wildflowers adding even more charm to this peaceful ride.