Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds – Des Plaines River bridge loop from Vernon Hills

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds – Des Plaines River bridge loop from Vernon Hills

Moderate

3.0

(2)

riders

Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds – Des Plaines River bridge loop from Vernon Hills

02:27

30.0km

60m

Cycling

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

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Edward L Ryerson Conservation Area

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

4.28 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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5.23 km

Des Plaines River Trail – Half Day Forest Preserve

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Des Plaines River Trail stretches over 56 miles along the Des Plaines River, offering a scenic natural escape through Lake and Cook Counties, just outside Chicago. This multi-use trail …

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14.5 km

Des Plaines River Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Des Plaines River Trail is a multi-use trail that follows the course of the Des Plaines River. It passes through picturesque, remarkable places.

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15.0 km

Cahokia Flatwoods

Highlight • Forest

This stretch of the Des Plaines River Trail at Cahokia Flatwoods Forest Preserve guides hikers through a serene woodland, with a dirt path winding under tall oaks and maples. Surrounded …

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23.7 km

Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds

Highlight • Lake

Here you will find a gorgeous network of flat, crushed gravel trails that connect with the Des Plaines River Trail and other nearby preserves. The trails take you around scenic …

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24.8 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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