Lakefront Trail
- Distance
- 31.1 mi
- Elevation
- 550 ft
The quintessential Chicago cycling route.
Routes
Our favorite routes for morning drop rides, afternoon social rides, or any other occasion.
Big Marsh
- Distance
- 32.5 mi
- Elevation
- 311 ft
A legacy version of the ThMr drop ride route that features a scenic, interrupted stretch past the Big Marsh bike park.
Sauk Lake
- Distance
- 70.4 mi
- Elevation
- 946 ft
A secluded route on a protected trail that loops around Sauk Lake.
Crown Point
- Distance
- 68.1 mi
- Elevation
- 760 ft
A relaxed route to Crown Point - the most vibrant town in Northwest Indiana - that is over 70% protected bike paths.
Highland
- Distance
- 51.5 mi
- Elevation
- 520 ft
A very efficient mid-distance route to Highland that parallels the Little Calumet River. Once you arrive you can do loops around Wicker Memorial Park or navigate the swamplands to the East.
Gary Airport
- Distance
- 45.2 mi
- Elevation
- 399 ft
A fast route on surprisingly quiet industrial roads the follows the BP Whiting-Gary Airport corridor. A group is necessary for an enjoyable experience.
Wolf Lake - Eggers Grove Alternative
- Distance
- 33.0 mi
- Elevation
- 259 ft
Bored of Wolf Lake? Try out some of these lesser-known trails in the Wolf Lake network.
Michigan City
- Distance
- 65.4 mi
- Elevation
- 854 ft
The simplest one-way route to Michigan City past the Indiana Dunes, return via the South Shore line. Out-and-backs to Hobart and Porter are also possible.
Michigan City - Valparaiso Alternative
- Distance
- 87.8 mi
- Elevation
- 2,149 ft
A more adventurous, rural, and uninterrupted route to Michigan City that passes through Crown Point and Valparaiso.
Joliet
- Distance
- 103.6 mi
- Elevation
- 2,086 ft
A fantastic route that is almost entirely on bike trails for over 100mi ending at the Flossmoor Metra Station. Stunning and quiet paths along waterways and through the historic downtowns of Lockport, Joliet, and Frankfort.
Steelworkers
- Distance
- 12.2 mi
- Elevation
- 135 ft
An odd route that passes through the abandoned Steelworkers plant and the converted "Park 566," which features a semi-paved trail through tallgrass prairieland.
Calumet Park
- Distance
- 15.2 mi
- Elevation
- 173 ft
Perfect for intervals or a recovery ride. Check out the nearby Tacos El Rey, Route 66 Pizza, Skyway Doghouse, or Calumet Fisheries for food options!
Plum Valley
- Distance
- 79.8 mi
- Elevation
- 1,194 ft
A great endurance loop featuring a bucolic forest preserve with 20+ miles of low-traffic rural roads that pass through the quaint towns of Crete and Flossmoor.
Palos
- Distance
- 65.3 mi
- Elevation
- 1,235 ft
Palos is the largest forest preserve in the Chicagoland area. And it's hilly! This route features a suburban traverse to the park, after which the riding gives way to woodland galore.
Highland - Munster Alternative
- Distance
- 48.9 mi
- Elevation
- 471 ft
Adds on a few lovely roads through Munster.
Cedar Lake
- Distance
- 82.5 mi
- Elevation
- 1,259 ft
The best Crown Point extension. Featuring less trail, more country roads.
North Shore
- Distance
- 78.2 mi
- Elevation
- 1,164 ft
The most popular cycling route in Chicago, following the wealthy and quiet North Shore suburbs to Fort Sheridan, then back through the Skokie Lagoons. The LFT serves as the commute both ways.
Brownell Woods
- Distance
- 50.1 mi
- Elevation
- 461 ft
This route follows the establish Wolf Lake approach to Hammond before diverting West into a gorgeous, forested nature preserve: Brownell Woods.
New Buffalo
- Distance
- 68.9 mi
- Elevation
- 1,186 ft
This tri-state route follows the Gary Industrial Corridor (please go with a group) to the Indiana Dunes National Park, where low-traffic bike trails and scenic, surprisingly hilly roads take you past Michigan City to the tourist retreat of New Buffalo. Return via Amtrak from New Buffalo or South Shore Line from Michigan City.
North Shore - Lake Bluff Alternative
- Distance
- 92.5 mi
- Elevation
- 1,437 ft
A more meandering North Shore route that throws in Lake Bluff, the Skokie Valley Trail, the botanical gardens and the North Branch Trail, and a scenic city commute on the way home.
Michigan City - Merrillville Alternative
- Distance
- 72.4 mi
- Elevation
- 1,139 ft
In case you haven't realized, there are many ways to get to Michigan City. This one is longer than the Gary or Oak Savannah commute, but shorter than Valparaiso. It features a wonderful, well-paved greenway and incredibly quiet Indiana roads. Unfortunately, Merrillville doesn't have much to offer in the way of sightseeing.
Palos - Cal Sag Alternative
- Distance
- 80.0 mi
- Elevation
- 1,623 ft
A more adventurous Palos route that takes the Cal Sag trail all the way back to Whistler Woods.