Exploring Bike Paths in Lake County, Illinois

Exploring bike paths in Lake County, Illinois will allow you and your family to take trails to adventures without straying so very far from your suburban home if you live in Lake County. County sources promise those eager to discover their surroundings through biking that there are some 100 miles of safe and maintained bike paths that crisscross their way through the many forest preserves that dot Lake County, Illinois. All you need to do is select a preserve and get to pedaling.

There really aren't any wild buffalo to be discovered in Lake County but that doesn't' mean that you can't enjoy the wild country that is accessible by bike path at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve near Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Not far from nearby bustling burbs you and your family can set out to conquer 4 miles of trails. Along the way you can enjoy the sight of creeks, a reservoir and the many varieties of birds who call Buffalo Creek home.

Nor do you have to spend all of your day biking, because from time to time you are going to want to pull over to check out the birds, enjoy the beauty of the grasslands and maybe even spend some quality time at the reservoir fishing. Break up your visit by taking out some lunch to share at one of Buffalo Grove's picnic tables and then use your renewed energy to hike off along nearby trails.

Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve near Highland Park, Illinois offers bikers a shorter trail but makes up for its limited expanse by the incredible views it allows. How many bike paths do you know that take you right down to the shores of Lake Michigan? Not many. When you get there take advantage of the three quarters of a mile of hiking venue along the waters edge. What a place to spread out a picnic lunch and try to spot as many different types of shore birds as you can .

A second water centered biking setting can be found at Sun Lake with its interesting glacial history. This very fragile remnant of times long past is located near Lake Villa, Illinois and is cut by three miles of trails. Folks love the picturesque footbridge that passes bikers and hikers across wetlands and towards beautiful wooded acres. Birding and wildlife exploration will keep you busy as you ride along. Unfortunately, though there is a 2.5 mile long riding loop, at no place are you permitted to get in close to the Lake as direct access is forbidden and pretty much impossible. You will find picnic tables at this Lake Park Forest Preserve so bring along lunch or at least a snack so you can sit, rest and refresh before setting out once again.

Finally, near Lake Forest try out one very unusual preserve called Middlefork Savanna. It is as picturesque as its name suggests. This preserve acts as a protective zone for a rare sampling of tallgrass savanna found only rarely . The ecosystem which supports the savanna creates a near perfect resting spot for migrating birds of many species and has even offered respite for the magnificent whooping crane. What a special spot.

While bikes can carry your family along sidewalks and roads throughout your neighborhood and town, Lake County Forest Preserves encourage you to go a little bit further afield. Check out their website and you can learn more about the four parks discussed here and also read about the many other preserves that are meant for your use throughout the Lake County area.

Sources

www.lakecountyil.gov

www.lcfpd.org