Deer Grove Bicycle Trail

Click on the map above for an enlarged view of the Deer Grove Bicycle Trail Map, or click here to download an Adobe Acrobat PDF.

The Deer Grove Bicycle Trail is a Class I paved bicycle trail located in northwestern Cook County, Illinois. This bicycle trail is currently 3.9 miles long and winds through meadows and forests in the Deer Grove Preserve.

The Deer Grove Bicycle Trail links with the Palatine Bicycle Trail at Quentin and Dundee Roads offering extended bicycling opportunities. For those driving to the area, access to the trail can be gained at both Deer Grove and Deer Grove East parking facilities.

The Deer Grove Preserve is an 1800 acre holding located in northwestern Cook County, consisting of rolling upland forest interspersed with wooded ravines and wetlands. Picturesque creeks meander through this tract, feeding the two lakes located within the preserve. The Deer Grove Bicycle Trail winds its way through these forests in Deer Grove past Camp Reinberg providing access to picnic areas located in Deer Grove East.

There is also a multi-use trail system at Deer Grove with an unpaved trail designated for bicyclists, equestrians, and hikers. Please take note of special restrictions against off-trail riding:

The natural plant and animal communities in the ravine area of Deer Grove have been severely damaged by off-trail use. The ground cover plants have been destroyed. The resulting soil erosion is undermining the forest trees and shrubs and is polluting local water bodies. This damage is so widespread that a restriction of off-trail use by bicyclists and equestrians in the area has been enacted.

Bicyclists and equestrians are restricted to the designated and maintained trails within Deer Grove. Trails which are designated for bicycle and equestrian use are shown on this downloadable map:

Click on the map above for an enlarged view of the Deer Grove Multi-use Trail Map, or click here to download an Adobe Acrobat PDF.

Open trails will be marked in the field with gray trail markers. In addition, orange trail closure markers will be installed at the non-designated trail heads. It is intended that the designated trail system will effectively control use to prevent further ecological damage and to allow the natural ecosystem to be restored. For the good of the natural environment, please respect these trail restrictions. Your cooperation will help to insure that the designated trail system can remain open.

The Deer Grove Restoration Project has recently begun working in the preserve to restore selected high quality natural areas. Volunteers are always needed. If you would like to get involved and give something back to Deer Grove, visit Get Involved or call the District’s Volunteer Coordinator at (708) 257-2045 for information. Also, those interested in working on a proposed trail maintenance or trail courtesy program can call the District’s Superintendent of Trails at (708) 403-7391.

Rules of the Trail

BICYCLE USERS:

1. Ride single file, keeping to the right of the trail.
   
2. Stay in your own lane.
   
3. Give warning before passing other trail users.
   
4. Obey all stop signs.
   
5. WALK all bicycles down overpasses where designated.
   

NO SPEED OR RACING PERMITTED

Violaters will be ticketed.

WALKERS & JOGGERS:

Use the left side of the trail, facing on-coming bicycle traffic.

Multi-Use Trail Rules

1. Bicyclists and equestrians must stay on the designated trail. No off-trail riding.
   
2. Be courteous to other trail users. Bicyclists yield to hikers and equestrians. Hikers yield to equestrians. Give notice before passing other trail users.
   
3. Do not ride on unpaved trails when the trail is muddy.
   
4. Motor vehicles prohibited.
   
5. Recreational use only. No speed training.
   
6. All trails are two-way. Stay in your lane. Give notice before passing other trail users.
   
7. Don’t litter. Please pack out more than you pack in.
   
8. For rider’s safety, helmets are suggested.
   

WATCH FOR THE FOLLOWING SIGNS:

1. Trail Confidence Marker — These 4' x 4' gray markers identify the designated trail system at 1/4 mile intervals. Stay on the designated trail.
   
2. Trail Closure Marker — These 4' x 4' orange markers identify non-designated trails which are closed.
   

Before Planning a Special Event

Permission is required for all special events to be held on the bicycle trail involving more than 25 persons. For further information, call the FPDCC at (708) 366-9420.

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