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Paul Douglas Forest Preserve

Mountain bike trail conditions · Chicago, IL 42.078° N  88.101° W   833 FT Verified

STAY OFF: Active damage risk

Wed 12pm Dries back to Caution.

Recent rain
0.1″ of rain, in the last hour
Today
67°Frain
  • Thu 9/10, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Fri 9/11, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Sat 9/12, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Sun 9/13, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Mon 9/14, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Tue 9/15, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Wed 9/16, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: PRIME
  • Thu 9/17, 2.78 inches of rain, modeled conditions: PRIME then STAY OFF
  • Fri 9/18, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: STAY OFF
  • Sat 9/19, 0.16 inches of rain, modeled conditions: STAY OFF
  • Today, Sun 9/20, 0.44 inches of rain, modeled conditions: STAY OFF
  • Mon 9/21, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: STAY OFF
  • Tue 9/22, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: STAY OFF
  • Wed 9/23, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: STAY OFF then CAUTION
  • Thu 9/24, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: CAUTION, forecast preview, beyond the free window
  • Fri 9/25, no measurable rain, modeled conditions: CAUTION, forecast preview, beyond the free window

Updated Sep 20, 2026, 13:49 UTC. Modeled hourly. Verdict last changed: Sep 17. Official closures and current trail conditions take priority.

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Is Paul Douglas Forest Preserve rideable today?

Not right now. The live verdict is STAY OFF: the ground is wet enough that riding would damage the trail. 0.1″ of rain, in the last hour.

CHANGED
Thu 1711am
Rain moved in. Verdict dropped to STAY OFF.
Over the tracked history, Paul Douglas Forest Preserve has been rideable on 6 of the last 10 days, and too wet to ride on 4. Loam also considers soil, slope, tree cover, and drying time.

Soil and terrain at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve

Paul Douglas Forest Preserve is a mountain bike trail network in Chicago, IL. The soil is loam and drains well. Heavy tree cover can slow drying after rain. The terrain averages a 0.1° slope at 833 ft and mainly faces W. Its nearly flat slopes can hold water in flat stretches.

How we check ourselves

How these factors affect drying

SoilLoam

Loam balances drainage with water retention, so it typically takes a day or two to dry after meaningful rain.

CanopyDense 70%

Heavy tree cover shades the soil and blocks wind, so these trails dry slowly and can hold morning damp even after dry days.

TerrainHolds water

Water tends to pool and linger here rather than running off, so the surface can stay damp well after the weather clears.

FAQ

Can you ride Paul Douglas Forest Preserve right now?

The current estimate for Paul Douglas Forest Preserve is STAY OFF: active damage risk. No rideable window yet. More rain arrives before the trail finishes drying. 0.1″ of rain, in the last hour.

Is Paul Douglas Forest Preserve muddy right now?

Likely. The current estimate is STAY OFF: the ground is wet enough that riding could leave ruts. 0.1″ of rain, in the last hour.

What is the soil and trail surface like at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve?

Paul Douglas Forest Preserve sits on loam soil that drains well. Loam balances drainage with water retention, so it typically takes a day or two to dry after meaningful rain.

How long does Paul Douglas Forest Preserve take to dry after rain?

Paul Douglas Forest Preserve usually needs about a day or two to dry after meaningful rain. Its terrain holds water in low spots, which slows it. Heavy tree cover slows drying further.

Can you ride Paul Douglas Forest Preserve after rain?

Drying time depends on how much rain fell and the weather that follows. Wait until the surface is firm. Check the current estimate before heading out, and turn back if your tires leave ruts.

Does Paul Douglas Forest Preserve get snow in winter?

Rarely. Paul Douglas Forest Preserve sits low and mild enough (around 833 ft) that snow seldom affects riding; conditions are driven by rain and drying. Loam still flags FROZEN on the rare freeze.

What's the terrain and elevation like at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve?

Paul Douglas Forest Preserve sits at roughly 833 feet, faces mostly W, and averages a 0.1° grade with about 70% tree cover. It is exposed to afternoon sun, and the nearly flat terrain holds puddles in the flats.

When is the best time of year to ride Paul Douglas Forest Preserve?

Snow rarely affects Paul Douglas Forest Preserve. Check recent rain and allow time for the ground to dry. The live verdict above reflects today.

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Network profile

Network profile

Soil
Loamdrains well
Drainage
Holds waterdries slowly
Tree cover
70%Dense
Elevation
833 ft
Average grade
0.1°
Predominant aspect
W-facing

Around Paul Douglas Forest Preserve

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