"CAMBr has been asked not to do trail maintenance on any Deer Grove trails at this time."
If you want to ride a multitrack loop or a paved path this is the place to do it. If you are looking for singletrack, we advise you to ride elsewhere. Check out Beverly Lake, Palos, Saw Wee Kee, Rock Cut, Kettle, etc. They all provide a better singletrack experience.
LocationPalatine, IL
Getting ThereFrom Chicago, take i-90 west to 53 North. Exit at Dundee Road and head west (left) for a couple of miles. After Quentin Road go for another mile or so to Camp Alphonse which will be on your right. Camp Alphonse is the MTB Staging Area, but it is often locked. If it is locked, continue for another mile to Deer Grove West. You should be able to park there.
Trail MapsTrail ReviewOn the west side, Deer Grove has an abandoned paved road and an outer multitrack gravel loop. There is about .75 miles of natural surface trail here, made up of the black trail and a singletrack bypass along the outer loop. On the east side, there is about 1 mile of natural surface trail, some multitrack and a paved loop.
Much of the multitrack on the west side consists of steep fall line trails. In places these trails are eroded and rutted out so be careful not to get caught in a rut and watch out for loose gravel at the bottom of the hills.
The natural surface trails are closed when wet, but the multitrack can be ridden in most any conditions.
More InfoThis is a well-used preserve in a densely populated area. There are often many other trail users (runners, hikers, horses, etc.), so please always ride courteously and abide by the rules of the trail.
BackgroundA compromise on Deer Grove was agreed to by the county's Trail Advisory Committee on Feb. 14, 1996 that called for a designated and marked perimeter trail for bicycle and equestrian use. The county insisted on a closure of the preserve's degraded ravine area to all but foot traffic, which will be undergoing environmental restoration. This was an alternative to an all-out ban on mountain bikes. Flexible, grey "confidence markers" are in place to indicate the open route while orange markers with no-bike and no-horse icons are used to indicate trails that are closed.
Deer Grove was the first land purchase by the fledgling Cook County Forest Preserve District for the intent of preserving property from future development. Bought in 1916, the collection of parcels cost just $90 per acre. Prior to that, it once sported a railroad station where people from neighboring communities could come out for an afternoon's relaxation.
