Trail Conditions

Paul Douglas Forest Preserve

Hoffman Estates, IL

20+ Miles

7+ Miles Paved

Directional

Trail Overview

Trail Length

20+ miles MTB, 7+ miles paved

Difficulty Range

Beginner to Advanced

Hours

Sunrise to Sunset

Land Manager

Forest Preserves of Cook County

View on Trailforks

About the Trail System

Paul Douglas Forest Preserve offers over 20 miles of mountain bike trails and 7+ miles of paved paths in Hoffman Estates. The preserve features a diverse network of progressive trails that cater to all skill levels, from beginners getting their first taste of singletrack to advanced riders seeking technical challenges.

The trail system is notable for its directional trail design, which enhances safety and creates a more predictable riding experience. Trails are designated for specific directions on different days, reducing conflicts between riders and creating a flow that makes the most of the terrain’s natural features.

The preserve’s combination of flowing singletrack, technical sections, and scenic wooded areas makes it a popular destination for the northwest suburban mountain biking community. The extensive trail network allows for rides of varying lengths and difficulties, making it possible to customize your experience based on time available and desired challenge level.

Trail Zones

Directional Trail System

Organized flow enhances safety and riding experience

• Designated riding directions by day
• Reduced trail conflicts
• Optimized for terrain features

Diverse Trail Options

Something for every skill level

• Beginner-friendly loops
• Technical advanced sections
• Extensive network for long rides

CAMBr's Role at Paul Douglas

CAMBr works in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County to maintain and develop the extensive trail system at Paul Douglas. Our dedicated volunteers organize regular workdays and contribute thousands of hours annually to ensure these trails remain in excellent condition.

The collaborative relationship between CAMBr and FPCC has helped Paul Douglas evolve into one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the northwest suburbs. Through ongoing maintenance, trail improvements, and community engagement, CAMBr ensures this trail system continues to serve riders of all abilities.

Why Volunteer?

Meet Fellow Riders

Connect with the local mountain biking community and make lasting friendships

Give Back

Make a lasting impact on the trails you love to ride

Learn New Skills

Gain trail building knowledge and sustainable construction techniques

Local Amenities

Getting There

Location: W Central Ave, east of Huntington Blvd/Freeman Rd Hoffman Estates, IL 60195

Main parking lot

Food and Drink

Hoffman Estates offers numerous dining options, with restaurants and cafes available throughout the area.

Nearby Bike Shops

Local shops for repairs, parts, and service:

Crank Revolution

⚠️ Important Trail Information

Directional Trail System:

• Check current directional information before riding
• Follow posted trail directions – they change by day
• Respect the directional system for everyone’s safety

General Trail Etiquette:

• Yield to hikers and other trail users
• Stay on designated trails
• Avoid riding when trails are wet
• Control your speed and ride within your ability
• Pack out all trash
• All trails are closed when raining
• Frost road is private, No access

Paul Douglas Photos

Ready to Hit the Trails?

Your CAMBr membership directly supports trail maintenance and development at Paul Douglas and all our trail systems. Join us to help keep these extensive trails in top condition.

Become a Member

CAMBr Current
Trail Conditions

Natural surface trails and bike parks can be easily damaged when they’re soft, wet and/or muddy.  All trail users should stay off the singletrack trails and jump lines unless they’re dry, or frozen solid.  CAMBr volunteers put in many thousands of hours each year maintaining and constructing trails, and we closely monitor their condition.  

CAMBr uses the Trailbot smartphone app to publish trail conditions updates.  Trailbot is a completely free, ad-free, easy-to-use trail conditions app for iOS and Android  – so you’ll know what to expect before you go, and can make informed decisions when conditions aren’t favorable for hitting the singletrack.  

Visit Trailbot.com to download the app, or find it in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Within the app you’ll find not only current trail conditions updates for all your favorite CAMBr trails, but also weather information, trail descriptions, maps, and other useful links. Trailbot updates are also pushed to our website for easy access.

Please respect the trails, and all the work that goes into them, by staying off when they’re soft.

ABOVE ALL – IF YOU’RE LEAVING AN IMPRINT, IT’S TIME TO LEAVE

WHAT ARE FREEZE/THAW RULES?

There’s a season in the Chicago area, typically between mid-November and the end of March, when temperatures will drop below freezing at night and then warm up above freezing during the day. What this means for the trails is when actually frozen they are hard and good to ride. But when the temps go up and the moisture in the ground thaws, the dirt becomes very soft and muddy. This is because the water in the soil expands when frozen and it looses the tightly packed soil. The result is the trails can become very soft and muddy even if there hasn’t been much rain or snow fall.

So, to protect the trails from damage, only ride when the ground is frozen hard, and get off once the ground begins to warm up. South facing trails will usually soften up first, and if the sun it out and the temps get into the 30’s, you’ll probably need to be done by 10AM.

Remember, if you’re tires are leaving an imprint, it’s too soft to ride. 

Fat Bike Tire Pressure