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Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Illinois
Mchenry County
Crystal Lake

Fox River view – Fox River loop from Crystal Lake

Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Illinois
Mchenry County
Crystal Lake

Fox River view – Fox River loop from Crystal Lake

Moderate

5.0

(1645)

12,006

riders

Fox River view – Fox River loop from Crystal Lake

02:36

49.0km

130m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 21, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

2.90 km

Three Oaks Recreation Area

Highlight • Lake

This area was once an abandoned quarry. In the late 90s, Crystal Lake city began transforming it into a natural area. The revived habitats are now home to an array …

Tip by

2

15.9 km

Fox River view

Highlight • Viewpoint

The views across to Fox River and beyond are fantastic from here. It is especially good as the sun sets. Keep your eyes peeled for the varied bird life around the river.

Tip by

3

20.8 km

The Fox River Trail, owned by the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, aligns with the Fox River Fen preserve to the east. Established in 1948 by Max McGraw, this private organization …

Tip by

4

24.4 km

Fox River

Highlight • River

The Fox River flows for 202 miles (325 km) from Wisconsin to Ottawa in Illinois. It's a tributary of the Illinois River. The Fox River Trail runs along the length …

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5

27.2 km

Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation

Highlight • Natural

The Fox River Trail, owned by the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, aligns with the Fox River Fen preserve to the east. Established in 1948 by Max McGraw, this private organization …

Tip by

6

33.8 km

Nestled in Kane County, Fox River Shores Forest Preserve spans 300 acres along the Fox River. Boasting diverse habitats, this preserve invites visitors to explore nature trails, observe wildlife, and …

Tip by

7

38.3 km

Wooden Bridge Over Fox River

Highlight • Bridge

Nice wooden bridge that takes you over the Fox River and into Algonquin. The bridge is part of the Fox River Trail and is completely car-free.

Tip by

B

49.0 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

45.7 km

2.18 km

975 m

128 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

46.3 km

2.19 km

483 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (280 m)

Lowest point (220 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Tuesday 23 June

24°C

11°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a comprehensive road cycling experience that blends natural beauty with charming town access, the Fox River view – Fox River loop from Crystal Lake is an excellent choice. This popular route offers a moderate challenge, covering 30.4 miles (49.0 km) with 431 feet (131 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes about 2 hours and 36 minutes to complete. It's ideal for cyclists seeking a varied ride through the Fox River Valley.

What to expect on Fox River view – Fox River loop from Crystal Lake

This loop takes you on a journey through a diverse landscape, from natural woodlands and scenic forestry to the bustling downtown areas of small cities. You'll enjoy extensive views along the Fox River, passing local parks like Veteran Acres Park and traversing prairie trails. Keep an eye out for interesting bridges, underpasses, and even waterfalls, spillways, and historic buildings in the towns you cycle through. While the surfaces are mostly well-paved, be aware that some segments, especially on the broader Fox River Trail, might have rough patches or even switch to unpaved sections further north. This is a moderate ride that requires good fitness, so be prepared for some gentle rolling hills.

Planning your visit

As the most popular road cycling route in the area, the Fox River view – Fox River loop can get crowded, especially on pleasant weekend days and holidays. While much of the trail is smooth, some parts of the wider Fox River Trail system it utilizes may have unpaved sections or require temporary on-street cycling through certain towns due to detours. There is no specific information about parking or permits provided, so plan accordingly for trailhead access in Crystal Lake.

Trail details

  • Distance: 30.4 miles (49.0 km)
  • Elevation gain: 431 feet (131 metres)
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Estimated time: 2 hours and 36 minutes

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