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Bike Riding Routes in the Springfield, IL Area

Looking for a place to ride in the Springfield, IL area? This page is a compilation of some of our favorite routes in the Springfield and surrounding area. Many of these routes appear on our Ride Schedule.

Whether you are looking for a family-friendly, low-key ride or something more challenging, there is sure to be a route that you will enjoy.

Start here - decide which format you need

I have a RidewithGPS Account and download routes to my GPS device.
Check out the routes in the RidewithGPS Section. Routes are organized into collections that are sorted by ride type --- bike trail, road ride, or gravel.
RidewithGPS section

I do not have a RidewithGPS account but I can download GPS files and use them on my GPS device.
Two file formats are provided for each route.
- FIT - FIT is the best format for turn-by-turn directions on modern Garmin Edge Devices.
- TCX - Compatible with most modern GPS units. Provides turn by turn directions including custom cue entries, but may consume more space than FIT.
GPS File Downloads

I do not use a GPS device and prefer to use a printed map for guidance.
PDF Maps

RidewithGPS

If you don't have an account with RidewithGPS but are interested in features/cost, etc., here is a link to the various plans available.
RidewithGPS Membership Options

Route Maps and GPS Files

Riding in the City of Springfield, IL

Springfield Area Bicycling Map
Created by Ride Illinois with input from the Springfield Bicycle Club, this map suggests routes for bicycle travel throughout the Springfield area.

Rochester Treat Route

21 mile road route. Park at the Lost Bridge Trailhead in the IDOT parking lot and take the trail to Rochester. Loop through the country on scenic back roads and then back through Rochester. Stop at the Sno Shack for a cool treat before riding back on the trail.
Link to RidewithGPS
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35354058
PDF
21 mile Rochester Treat Ride
GPS Files
FIT 21 mile Rochester Treat Route
TCX 21 mile Rochester Treat Route

Centennial Park to Sangamon River/Athens

33.5 mile road route. Start in Centennial Park and follow the Sangamon Valley Trail (SVT) to Washington Street. Take back roads to Salisbury and loop back to the SVT.
Link to RidewithGPS
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35296604
PDF
Centennial Park to Sangamon River / Athens
GPS Files
FIT Centennial Park to Athens

"Lollipop" Route from Quaker Steak

22 mile road route that starts and finishes at the old Quaker Steak restaurant in the Scheels complex. Take the Interurban Trail south through the Village of Chatham and then do a loop on lightly-traveled country roads. This is a popular route and there is often an organized ride in the evening during the summer months.
Link to RidewithGPS
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35242870
PDF Map
"Lollipop" from Quaker Steak
GPS Files
FIT Lollipop Route
TCX Lollipop Route

Haugh Gravel Short Route

17.5 mile mixed surface. Easy route that starts at Centennial Park and heads west. There are several stretches of gravel/dirt road that provide variety. Haugh (pronounced "Hog") Road is mostly dirt and can be impassable at times. This route will be featured in a weekly ride in 2021 and is a great intro to gravel.
Link to RidewithGPS
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35250866

PDF Map
Haugh Gravel Short Route
GPS Files
FIT Haugh Gravel Short Route
TCX Haugh Gravel Short Route

SBC Summer Challenge Ride 3: Stuart Park/Athens

40 mile road route that starts at Stuart Park and heads north on the Sangamon Valley Trail. Tackle some rolling hills and a big climb out of the Sangamon River valley on the Irwin Bridge Road. Stop at Casey's Convenience Store in Athens for a break. This route was part of the SBC Summer Cycling Challenge in 2020.
Link to RidewithGPS
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35272098
PDF Map
SBC Challenge Ride 3 - Stuart Park/Athens
GPS Files
FIT Challenge Ride 3 40 miles
TCX Challenge Ride 3 40 mile

40 to Athens and Back

40 mile road ride. Start at Stuart Park and follow the Sangamon Valley trail south, then do a loop on country roads through Salisbury. Some moderate climbs around the Sangamon River valley keep things interesting, and you can stop in Athens at the Casey's convenience store for some refueling. Return via the Sangamon Valley Trail.
Link to RidewithGPS
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35276561
PDF Map
40 to Athens and Back
GPS Files
FIT 40 to Athens with trail back
TCX 40 to Athens with trail back

To the Lowder Climb

34.5 mile road route. From Chatham Community Park, head south past Edgewood Golf Course in Auburn and then west through Thayer. Climb the hill near Lowder and then cruise back on Johns Creek Road.
Link to RidewithGPS
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35281498
PDF Map
to the Lowder Climb
GPS Files
FIT to the Lowder Climb
TCX to the Lowder Climb

Pleasant Plains and then to Salisbury

42.3 mile road ride. Start at Stuart Park and head south on the Sangamon Valley Trail. Take country roads to Pleasant Plains with a stop at Casey's convenience store, then head over through Salisbury and challenge yourself with the hills on Irwin Bridge Road. Pick up the northernmost segment of the Sangamon Valley Trail and return to the park.
Link to RidewithGPS
RidewithGPS Pleasant Plains to Salisbury
PDF Map
Pleasant Plains then to Salisbury
GPS Files
FIT Pleasant Plains then to Salisbury
TCX Pleasant Plains then Salisbury