Trail Website: http://www.fpdcc.org/
Trail Distance: 3.2 Miles
Trail Surface: Packed Dirt
Type of Use: Mountain
Towns: Countryside, Hodgkins, Willow Springs, Indian Head Park
County: Cook
Trail Maintained By: Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Parking: Take the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) to La Grange Road. Head north. There are two preserve entrances to your left. The first is .3 miles north of the Stevenson. The second is north of 67th Street near Lake Ida. A third entrance is off Joliet Road (Route 66) west of La Grange Road.
Hours:
Trail Map:
Rider's Comments: Arie Crown is a series of lumpy dirt trails that are interconnected winding through fairly dense woods. Since the path is not well marked, you can easily become disoriented. Fortunately, you frequently cross the road which loops through the preserve. Recommended to ride this path with a companion.
John Trznadel (jtt832@aol.com): Most forest preserve bicycle trails in Cook County are paved, but not this one. Located just south of Countryside, the wooded, packed-earth trail is bumpy and narrow in spots. Those on road bikes shouldn't have much trouble, but it is better suited to mountain bikes.
With several loops and intersections and no signage on the trail, it's easy to get lost, so consider bringing a map and compass. Since the preserve's auto road crosses the trail in several spots, you won't be lost for long. There are a few hills to climb, a small creek to cross over, and nearby Lake Ida. The northern portion is quiet and peaceful. Traffic sounds increase as you approach I-55 to the south.
Rustic restrooms, water pumps and picnic tables are available near several of the parking areas.
For More Detailed Information Contact:
Forest Preserve District of Cook County
536 N. Harlem Ave.
River Forest, IL 60305
708-366-9420
For Calendar of Events in Surrounding Communities Contact:
LaGrange West Suburban Chamber of Commerce
Peter Solie, Executive Director
512 W. Burlington Ave., P.O. Box 187
LaGrange, IL 60525
708-352-0494
