Independence Grove Lake – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Fort Sheridan

Bike touring routes & trails

Independence Grove Lake – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Fort Sheridan

Hard

4.6

(5942)

17,568

riders

Independence Grove Lake – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Fort Sheridan

05:06

63.7km

200m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 5, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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20.0 km

Independence Grove Lake

Highlight • Lake

A very nice pond where you can observe dragonflies and water birds.

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22.2 km

Des Plaines River Trail - Libertyville

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This stretch of the Des Plaines River Trail is perfect for beginner cyclists and families looking for a smooth, scenic ride. Towering trees provide shade in the summer, while autumn …

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28.9 km

Lake Carina Forest Preserve

Nature Reserve

32.9 km

Des Plaines River Trail

Highlight • Trail

Beautiful area

Showing Translation

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43.2 km

MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve

Highlight • Forest

MacArthur Woods is a preserved forest that showcases the original landscape of the eastern Des Plaines River Valley. The area features a diverse mix of plants, creating an important habitat …

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50.8 km

Des Plaines River Trail is a popular 2 mile popular gravel trail located near Mettawa, Illinois, that runs largely along the water. It is popular with cyclists, walkers, runners, and the occasional horseback rider.

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52.6 km

Des Plaines River Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

You can follow the trail for 56 miles along the Des Plaines River with gorgeous views of local preserves, watersheds, forests, and marshes. The trail is wide packed gravel and …

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53.6 km

Des Plaines River bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The Des Plaines River flows southwards from Wisconsin and down through Illinois. It makes for an excellent cycling companion thanks to the trails that wind alongside it. This bridge spans …

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