(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Mountain bikers, runners and families now have more places to take in nature in the northwestern suburbs. Officials cut the ribbon on a new trail system in the Hoffman Estates area.
The more than 13 miles of new trails officially opened today at the Paul Douglas Forest Preserve.
“This is the newest destination for anyone who wants to ride for miles on rugged dirt trails close to home,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said.
Cook County Forest Preserve Supt. Arnold Randall says the county worked with Chicago Area Mountain Bikers to set up trails that provide thrills and fun but also respect nature.
“You have from a 4 1/2 mile route to several loops, ranging from one to three miles. Runners and riders move in, in opposite directions, switching by days of the week making it safer on the trails and, essentially, doubling the experience for repeat visits.”
The trails wind through woodlands, prairies and wetlands of the 1,800-acre Paul Douglas Forest Preserve.
Mike Angus, executive director of the group Chicago Area Mountain Bikers, said his group put in thousands of hours of volunteer time.
“The trail is directional. In other words, bikers and hikers and runners go in opposite directions, so it’s been designed with safety in mind.”
Supt. Randall says the county will work with the mountain biking group to discourage bikers from going off-trail and possibly harming plants and wildlife.
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