The Best Bike Trails Near Lemont for Off-road Adventures
Discover why Lemont is the Midwest’s biking capital
Chicago Riders, Meet Your Offroad Playground
Tired of the same paved lakefront loops and crowded city trails? You don’t need to board a plane to Colorado or road-trip to Wisconsin for an off-road adventure. Just head 30 miles southwest of downtown Chicago to Lemont!
Tucked into hills and quarries, Lemont is a surprising but serious hotspot for off-road biking. Whether you're chasing technical singletrack, forested climbs, or wide gravel paths, the bike trails near Lemont deliver. With terrain that rivals anywhere in the Midwest, this hidden gem is where Chicago’s cyclists go to get muddy, sweaty, and fully off the grid.
Why Lemont Is the Off-Road Capital You’re Sleeping On
For local riders in the know, Lemont isn’t just a charming town with historic streets and scenic views: it’s a gateway to some of the best mountain biking near Chicago.
Home to trail access points like the Heritage Quarries, the Centennial Trail, and The Forge, the area offers variety, challenge, and fun for riders of all levels. However, Lemont’s proximity to legendary trail systems, like the Palos Trail System, and its well-connected terrain makes it a true off-road mecca.
Groups like CAMBr (Chicago Area Mountain Bikers) have helped build and maintain a regional network of high-quality singletrack, and Lemont sits right at the center of it all. They even keep a current trails conditions map to help you plan your trip! Events like the Palos Meltdown draw riders from across the Midwest and cement the town’s status as an MTB hotspot.
The Forge: Lemont Quarries also hosts a growing lineup of annual biking events, including The Forge Off-Road Triathlon, the Fat Tire Race, and the Half-Marathon/Quarter-Marathon races. These events bring together the local biking community and attract riders from across the region looking to test their skills and enjoy Lemont’s unique outdoor vibe.
Biking at The Forge
Where to Start: Trailheads, Maps & Pump Tracks
If you’re heading to Lemont for the first time, start your ride at The Forge: Lemont Quarries. Not only is this massive adventure park home to a well-maintained pump track and MTB skills course, but it also serves as a jumping-off point for trail access into the Palos system, Heritage Quarries, and more.
Before riding, check the CAMBr Trail Conditions Map for the latest on open trails, closures, and recommended routes. Most trailheads offer parking, restrooms, and clear signage, so you can focus on riding – not logistics.
Top Offroad & Singletrack Bike Trails Near Lemont
Palos Trail System (Willow Springs)
Just minutes from downtown Lemont, the Palos trails are the crown jewel of Midwest mountain biking. Spanning over 30 miles of offroad, wooded singletrack, this system is packed with variety; tight technical sections, long climbs, fast descents, and open savannas.
Maintained by CAMBr and supported by a passionate volunteer community, the Palos system includes popular loops like Bullfrog Lake, Out-and-Back, and Gravity Cavity. Riders can check the CAMBr Trail Conditions Map before heading out.
Palos Trail System
Centennial Trail
Stretching from Willow Springs through Lemont and into Romeoville and Joliet, the Centennial Trail offers a smoother, more relaxed ride. With a surface of crushed limestone and a mix of paved sections, it’s perfect for warm-ups, cool-downs, or family rides.
Though not a technical trail, its scenic views of the Des Plaines River and access to Lemont’s other trailheads make it a valuable part of the local biking network.
Waterfall Glen
Located in nearby DuPage County, Waterfall Glen is a short pedal from Lemont and worth the ride. The park’s 9.5-mile loop features rolling gravel, dense woods, and occasional elevation gain, making it a great option for endurance rides or riders seeking a lighter off-road challenge.
Waterfall Glen is a favorite for hikers and trail runners too, so keep an eye out for foot traffic while enjoying this versatile loop.
Waterfall Glen
Cal-Sag Trail
Connecting Alsip to Lemont, this wide, paved greenway is perfect for riders commuting from the south side or looking to bridge urban rides with off-road terrain.
The Cal-Sag Trail intersects with more advanced trails and serves as a key connector for getting into Lemont’s quarries and forest preserves. It’s also ideal for gravel grinders and riders building base miles.
Cal-Sag Trail Biking
Events, Community & Seasonal Riding
Lemont’s mountain biking scene isn’t just about great trails, it’s about community. Weekly group rides, volunteer trail workdays, and active forums keep the region’s biking culture strong year-round. Joining CAMBr is a great way to stay involved!
And the riding doesn’t stop when the seasons change! In winter, fat biking keeps the wheels turning. Spring and fall are widely considered the best seasons for tackling the trails with crisp air, firm dirt, and vibrant foliage.
Plan Your Visit to Lemont
If you’re looking for bike trails near Lemont that offer real adventure, it’s time to plan your trip.
Lemont isn’t just a trailhead, it’s a destination. After a long ride, head into Lemont Downtown for food, drinks, shopping, or coffee. With quick access from Chicago, abundant trail variety, and a community that welcomes new riders, Lemont is the best-kept secret in Midwest mountain biking!
Pack your gear, check your brakes, and don’t sleep on the off-road adventure waiting just outside the city.
