Where to Mountain Bike

Explore local mountain bike trails we ride

Locally you need to support CAMBR.ORG

Cambr.org is the local volunteer group that builds and maintains the off road trails in Chicagoland.

You need to respect when all mountain bike trails are open vs closed and restrictions on motorized vehicles. While we hope land managers will eventually come to their sense that class 1 ebikes are no more dangerous than fast heavy riders (they arent measuring leg strength or requiring a rider weight limit) there are some local systems that still do not allow class1 ebikes. Kettle Moraine allows them and provides excellent riding.

Chicago and its surrounding regions offer a diverse array of mountain biking trails suitable for riders of all skill levels. Here's a selection of notable trails within approximately a five-hour drive from Chicago, highlighting their features and mileage:

1. Palos Forest Preserve, Willow Springs, IL

Trail Distance: 25+ miles of singletrack; 20+ miles of multi-track.
Description: As Chicago's premier singletrack destination, Palos offers a mix of rolling widetrack, tight singletrack, climbs, and fast descents. Trails cater to both novices and advanced riders, with multiple intersections allowing for varied routes.

2. Paul Douglas, Hoffman Estates, IL

Trail Distance: 18+ miles of trails; 7+ miles of paved paths.
Description: A progressive multi-use trail system designed for mountain biking and hiking. Trails are directional, changing based on the day of the week, with clear signage indicating the current direction.

3. Raceway Woods, Carpentersville, IL

Trail Distance: 6+ miles.
Description: Adjacent to the historic Meadowdale Speedway, this trail system features generally flowy and smooth trails, with sections like "Scarabs Revenge" offering more difficulty. Parking is available off Route 31 and Huntley Road.

4. Andres Bike Park, Carpentersville, IL

Features: Skills areas, pump track, downhill trail, and a terrain park.
Description: Located within Keith Andres Park, this 25-acre property has been transformed from an abandoned area into a vibrant bike park featuring various skills areas and tracks suitable for different skill levels.

5. The Garden Dirt Jumps, Chicago, IL

Description: A community-built dirt jump and skills park offering various lines and features for riders to hone their jumping and technical skills. Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.

6. Beulah Park, Zion, IL

Description: Features a network of trails suitable for mountain biking, offering a mix of terrains and challenges for riders.

7. Hickory Hill Park, Cary, IL

Description: Offers mountain biking trails winding through wooded areas, providing a natural setting for riders to enjoy.

8. Saw Wee Kee, Oswego, IL

Description: Known for its challenging trails with elevation changes, offering a mix of technical sections and flowing paths for experienced riders.

For the most up-to-date trail conditions, CAMBr utilizes the Trailbot smartphone app, providing real-time updates to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

Before planning your ride, it's advisable to check current trail conditions and any access restrictions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

More cambr trails here.

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it is always good to venture a little further away...

Kettle Moraine, John Muir Bike Trails, N9097 Co Rd H, Whitewater, WI 53190

1. Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit, WI

Distance from Chicago: Approximately 100 miles north (about a 2-hour drive).
Trail Mileage: Over 30 miles of trails.
Description: Known for its glacially formed landscapes, this area provides a variety of trails with rolling hills, dense forests, and open meadows. Riders can choose from loops of varying difficulty, catering to both novices and seasoned bikers.

2. The Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park, Lemont, IL

Distance from Chicago: Approximately 25 miles southwest.
Trail Mileage: Multiple trails within the park.
Description: Opened in July 2020, The Forge offers mountain biking trails alongside other outdoor activities. The park features ziplines, ropes courses, and climbing walls, making it a comprehensive adventure destination.

3. Kickapoo State Recreation Area, Oakwood, IL

Distance from Chicago: Approximately 150 miles south (about a 2.5-hour drive).
Trail Mileage: Over 10 miles of mountain biking trails.
Description: Situated on reclaimed mining land, Kickapoo offers trails that wind through forests and around deep water ponds. The terrain includes moderate climbs, descents, and technical sections, providing a rewarding experience for intermediate riders.

4. Brown County State Park, Nashville, IN

Distance from Chicago: Approximately 200 miles southeast (about a 4-hour drive).
Trail Mileage: Over 25 miles of trails.
Description: Renowned as one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the Midwest, Brown County features well-maintained trails with flowing singletrack, challenging climbs, and exhilarating descents, suitable for various skill levels.

6. Imagination Glen, Portage, IN

Distance from Chicago: Approximately 40 miles southeast.
Trail Mileage: Approximately 10 miles.
Description: Located in Portage, Indiana, Imagination Glen offers a network of trails featuring a mix of terrains, including wooded areas and open fields. The trails cater to both beginner and intermediate riders, with some technical sections and elevation changes.

7. Big Marsh Bike Park, Chicago, IL

Distance from Chicago: Located within the city limits.
Trail Mileage: Multiple trails within the park.
Description: Big Marsh Bike Park offers a variety of trails and features designed for mountain biking, including jump lines and pump tracks. It's a great spot for riders looking to practice skills and enjoy off-road cycling without leaving the city.

8. Atwood Park Trail System, Rockford, IL

Trail Distance: Approximately 5 miles.
Description: The Atwood Park Trail System offers multi-use natural surface trails suitable for beginner and intermediate users. Phase 1 includes about 5 miles of trails, with plans to expand to approximately 20 miles across both sides of the Kishwaukee River. Amenities include a parking area, trail signage, and a bike wash/repair station.

9. Silver Lake Park Trail System, Salem, WI

Trail Distance: Over 10 miles.kamba.org
Description: Silver Lake Park features more than 10 miles of fast, fun, and flowing single-track and multi-use trails, constructed and maintained through a partnership with the Kenosha Area Mountain Bike Association (KAMBA). The trails cater to beginner and intermediate riders and are groomed in the winter for riding. The park serves as the home base for local high school mountain bike teams.

10. Farmdale Reservoir Trail System, East Peoria, IL

Trail Distance: Approximately 15 miles.
Description: Managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, the Farmdale Reservoir Trail System encompasses about 15 miles of trails, offering a mix of fast open stretches and tight, twisty singletrack with numerous gravity dips and ravines. The area also features a downhill run, a mountain cross/dirt jump course, and a freeride/stunt section, catering to a range of skill levels.

Before planning your trip, it's advisable to check the current trail conditions and any access restrictions. Local trail organizations and park websites often provide up-to-date information to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

Kettle Moraine, Emma Carlin Trails. Co Rd Z, Palmyra, WI 53156

Our favorite local ride. John Muir and Emma Carlin are connected with some of the best single track in the area. Single direction and great terrain. Emma is a little more technical, with more vertical.