Des Plaines River Trail – Old School Forest Preserve loop from Libertyville
Des Plaines River Trail – Old School Forest Preserve loop from Libertyville
3.4
(4)
46
riders
Des Plaines River Trail – Old School Forest Preserve loop from Libertyville
01:40
40.6km
130m
Road cycling
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Tips
The surface for a segment of your route may not be suitable
Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.
After 35.7 km for 143 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
2.98 km
Des Plaines River Trail
Highlight • Trail
10.5 km
Captain Daniel Wright Woods Preserve
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
24.6 km
Everett Road Bike Path
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
35.8 km
Old School Forest Preserve
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
40.6 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
26.9 km
10.3 km
1.64 km
1.44 km
350 m
Surfaces
34.4 km
5.79 km
209 m
200 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Wednesday 1 July
34°C
26°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a smooth, easy road cycling experience near Libertyville, the Des Plaines River Trail – Old School Forest Preserve loop from Libertyville is a fantastic choice. This easy 25.2-mile (40.6 km) route offers a gentle 435 feet (133 metres) of elevation gain, making it a quick 1 hour and 39 minute ride perfect for a relaxed outing or a beginner road cycling route.
What to expect on Des Plaines River Trail – Old School Forest Preserve loop from Libertyville
Expect a pleasant journey through a mix of woodlands, prairies, and wetlands as you follow the Des Plaines River. While the broader Des Plaines River Trail has crushed limestone, this specific loop is designed for road cycling, utilizing paved sections within the Old School Forest Preserve and connecting via smooth surfaces. You'll enjoy natural landscapes with tall trees and open prairies, often spotting wildlife like deer and birds. The route is mostly flat with minimal elevation changes, making it ideal for road bikes and those seeking a relaxed, scenic ride.
Planning your visit
Accessing the trail is straightforward, with numerous parking lots available along the Des Plaines River Trail, including near Old School Forest Preserve. The scenery changes throughout the seasons, offering vibrant colors in autumn and fresh greenery in spring, so pick your favorite time of year. This multi-use trail is generally well-maintained, but always check local conditions, especially after heavy rains, as some underpasses can be prone to flooding.
Trail details
- Distance: 25.2 miles (40.6 km)
- Elevation gain: 435 feet (133 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 39 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free