4.5Lakefront Trail(2.442 reviews) - Walk, Run, Bike, Stroll, your views are excellent Biking Trails • Hiking Trails
The Chicago Lakefront Bicycle Trail is roughly 22 miles of bike paths, stretching from Indiana border up to Evanston. The trail rides through many parks including Jackson Park (including U of Chicago), Grant Park (including Buckingham Fountain/Museum Campus) Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park with its Free Zoo. Plenty of beaches and bike rentals available at Bobby's Bike Hike - 540 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60611 (free maps, helmets).See more..
4.5Busse Woods Trail System(187 reviews) - Clean and beautiful walking n bike trails Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Happened to stumble uptown this park during my weekend trip to Chicago and fell in love with this long trail amidst city of Schaumburg. Ton of picnic areas, rest rooms and very well marked trails. Ton of bikers and walkers and well shaded areas as well. Only downside was that dog walkers did not clean up after their pets. The place really sticks up because of their negligence. See more..
Typical walk in the woods with a nice waterfall as a bonus, the best this side of Starved Rock. Trail is easy to walk, just watch out for bikers. A tip for non runners. Be sure to park at the lot on Bluff road. It's only a half mile stroll to the falls. Other lots take nine or six miles one way so be warned.See more..
My husband and I are just getting into bike riding and chose this trail due to the reviews and beautiful scenery in the pictures. We parked in West Dundee in a free parking lot there and rode all the way to Batavia. We ended up doing 42 miles round trip which was probably about 5-10 miles too much, but we were just enjoying it so much we didn't realize how far we had gone before turning around. We loved the bridges and scenery. The towns we drove through were quaint and fun to look around at. I used an app on my phone to help make sure we stayed on the trail. There were only a couple of places we were confused, but for the most part the trail was well marked. We would definitely do this trail again. We would probably start at a different point to see other parts of the trail we missed. See more..
4.5Veteran Acres Park(31 reviews) - Serene Getaway Spent More than 3 hours Biking Trails • Hiking Trails • Cross-country Ski Areas
Lovely gem in Crystal Lake. A quiet place to hike and enjoy nature. The Nature Center has a variety of exhibits that always fascinated my grandchild. Pack a lunch, bring a book and relax for a bit.See more..
4.5Peck Farm Park(30 reviews) - Great day for little cost Spent 2-3 hours Biking Trails • Parks
The butterfly garden is spectacular in late June. They have many new tropical butterflies. There is also a cool park, small splash pad, lake, silo, gift shop, animals and activities.See more..
4.5Skokie Lagoons(21 reviews) - beautiful nature preserve Bodies of Water • Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Currently there are no permanent restrooms or drinking fountains. When the new, full-service boathouse is built, it will have those amenities plus canoe and kayak rental, outdoor tables, etc. Meanwhile, enjoy in season the trails and paths, fishing, bird watching, model boat area, cross-country skiing, dog-friendly areas, canoe and kayak use, and so on. This area was a huge marsh which was part of the traditional lands of the Ojibwa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi tribes. These native lands were ceded to the federal government by a series of treaties. The Cook County Forest Preserve system acquired the land in 1920. The seven lagoons were created by public works projects that began during the Depression in order to control flooding, eliminate a serious mosquito problem, and increase recreational opportunities. See my August 2017 review for more details.See more..
5.0Cal Sag BikeTrail(20 reviews) - Unfinished but wow! Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails
I hiked the whole trail a few years back. So, so, so, glad they tied all these paths in. There was a little construction going on around Trinity College when I went a few years ago, but I would assume that has been taken care of. Awesome hike if you are close by looking for a good 16 mile jaunt.See more..
The Cook County Forest Preserve District does a fantastic job caring for this trail. Within 24 hours of a storm all debris is cleared from the path. Every season they cut back branches and grass making it clear and smooth. Professional bikers, families with young kids and liesure runners all use it safely, as long as you stick to the right. It connects to other car-free trails so you can go for a good 30 miles if you want. There is a great bike shop called Bici 2 in Willow Springs on Archer that will check your tire pressure and rent bikes too.See more..
4.5Centennial Bike Trail(11 reviews) - Great views and beautifully paved trail Biking Trails
Love this trail. My favorite for bike riding and even jogging. It’s popular so use caution when passing, but that certainly doesn’t take anything away from the trail. Try it out! I’m sure you’re going to feel that same! See more..
4.5River Trail of Illinois(10 reviews) - Nice Trail that connects easily to Rock Island Trail Spent 2-3 hours Biking Trails • Hiking Trails
The River Trail of Illinois is a nice trail that will connect with Granite City Food & Brewery, goes behind Embassy Suites, as well as Bass Pro Shop and the new Holiday Inn Express. The trail is blacktop which offers a short beautiful view of the Illinois River as well as a great view of Downtown Peoria. The trail goes to Morton, and it also runs across the Illinois River to Downtown Peoria which will take you by the Gateway Building, Peoria Boat Club and easily connects to the Rock Island Trail through Springdale Cemetery. Be careful once you get out of Downtown Peoria approaching Springdale Cemetery as the neighborhood safety is VERY QUESTIONABLE !See more..
5.0Miner Park(6 reviews) - Nice newer park Biking Trails
Very nice newer park. Peaceful setting. Picnic areas available and a walking path. Plenty of parking spots also. See more..
5.0Hickory Creek Preserve(5 reviews) - Time For A Walk Biking Trails • Hiking Trails • Forests
This is favorite place for “walkies” with mans best friend..... There are pavilions for group gatherings with large picnic tables and permanent bbq grills for your charcoal feast. Pathways are paved through the woods and nicely kept. There are areas for either a short or long walk and parking is plentiful. Always a tail-wagging time. See more..
At around 15 miles long this is a good distance for an out and back ride. The trail surface is asphalt, however it is in rough shape in spots. Between Capron and Poplar Grove is particularly rough, in the fall covered with leaves the bumps can be hard to spot. The bridge transitions vary, with one particularly bad one, be sure to slow down for bridges and approach with caution. There is some good signage with geography and history of the area, and at the eastern terminus and near Caledonia Road crossing on the west end has water. I would be hesitant to use a narrow tired road bike in the fall of the year when asphalt surface divots could be hidden.See more..
5.0Nickle Plate Trail(4 reviews) - Great trail! Spent More than 3 hours Biking Trails
Love these trails! Paved and not big hills, plus great shade in the heat of the summer! Most are circular, but you can choose how long you want to ride.See more..
Poplar Creek Trail in Hoffman Estates is a lovely 9.5-mile loop trail which is asphalt paved. Portions of the trail run adjacent to busy roads and the traffic noise could be distracting. But the trail itself is rolling and scenic with views of forest, ponds, woodlands and prairie. At some places, it is quite hilly but great for a good cycling workout. The trail traverses two preserves – Shoe Factory Road Prairie Nature Preserve and Arthur L. Janura Forest Preserve. The trail would be more enjoyable if road crossings are minimized. It is well-marked with trail maps displayed at major access points. Poplar Creek Trail makes for a nice work out by feet or on a bike.See more..
5.0North Branch Bike Trail(4 reviews) - North Branch Bike Trail Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails
Loved the bike trail excellent ride ride up to Morton Grove and back then went to Gompers Park and Forest Glen.See more..
3.5Bemis Woods Park(3 reviews) - Great place to enjoy Nature Biking Trails • Hiking Trails • Jogging Paths & Tracks
Spent a couple of hours in Bemis Woods in Westchester hiking in October. Bemis Woods offers a range of recreational activities such as birding, hiking, biking, and picnics. Amenities also include a canoe launch on the Salt Creek that runs through the park. A theme park called Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course (requires fees) is also located in this park. We enjoyed our hike on the wooded trails and along a part of the paved bike trail. Sections of the hiking trails could be wet after rains. The bridge across the Salt Creek provides a great place for scenic water views. Bemis Woods is a great place for enjoying nature. See more..
The location through Fulton on top of the dike berm allows for wonderful views of the river & wildlife as well as cooling breezes. It is very underutilized so never crowed.See more..
4.0Old Plank Road Trail(3 reviews) - Great place to Walk the dog Spent 2-3 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
I have rode my bike back and forth for miles. This is a very nice paved trail.. There are several places along the way to start or decide to leave the trail. I’ve also walked my dog on the trail, it’s really a shame that I need to have my dog protect me on such a beautiful trail, but there have been incidents in the last few years..See more..
4.0Norman Greenway(2 reviews) - Nice Walk Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks Nice continuation to the walking paths through the neighborhoods. Big sled hill for the kids and dog walk/play area. Not a lot of parking.See more..
5.0Des Plaines River Trail(2 reviews) - canoe launch Spent More than 3 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
One of my favourite sections of the Des Plaines River Trail is the canoe launch at Route 60, east of Highway 21. It was featured in the 2019 Hike Lake County Challenge. Every year the Lake County Forest Preserve District chooses 12 local hikes and encourages participants to complete seven of them. Because the canoe launch path parallels the Des Plaines River, it can be submerged after heavy rains and flooding. However, if you hike during a dry spell, you will be rewarded with beautiful vistas, songbirds, and Disney-like chipmunks and squirrels.See more..
5.0Fox River Trail(2 reviews) - Don't forget to see the Dutch windmill at Fabyan Park Biking Trails • Hiking Trails • Jogging Paths & Tracks
The Fox River Trail is a multi-use path along the Fox River in Illinois, largely in Kane County, that covers nearly 40 miles and includes several west suburban communities from Algonquin to Elgin to St. Charles to Geneva to Batavia to Aurora to Oswego. Along the way, visitors can view such points of interest as the Fox River Trolley Museum, Fabyan Park Forest Preserve, Batavia Depot Museum, C.B.&O. roundhouse and Valley Model Railroad Club. The trail begins at the McHenry County line in Algonquin and runs south to Oswego in Kendall County. The trail also provides access to other local and regional trails, including the Illinois Prairie Path, Great Western Trail, Virgil Gilman Trail and Prairie Trail. At Fabyan Park, south of Geneva, be sure to visit a Dutch-style windmill dating to the 1850s that was moved to the river site and renovated in 1914. In Batavia, the trail follows a former Chicago & Northwestern Railway right of way past the Depot Museum, an 1854 station and caboose that are used as exhibits. A picturesque location and popular photo-op is the Truss Bridge over the Fox River, a part of the Fox River Trail that is shared with the Virgil Gilman Trail.See more..
4.5Gallery Park(2 reviews) - Not many birds, a few hawks! Biking Trails • Hiking Trails
Photo’d this hawk in field. Cross from bathrooms, any idea? Hard to identify! He t was very cold but no wind, lake freezing over now!See more..
3.5Paul Douglas Forest Preserve(2 reviews) - Nice trail Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas Nice trail not very difficult to navigate as a side trip you can cycle through the Bell Labs site to watch the development and other side roads.See more..
5.0River to River Trail(1 review) - From the Ohio to the Mississippi Biking Trails • Equestrian Trails • Hiking Trails See more..
5.0East Fork State Park MTB trails(1 review) - Great Place to Get Out In Nature Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Equestrian Trails
East Fork Trails is located off of East Fork Lake near the dam and arena. You can then cross Silver Rd. to the sailboat launch area to enjoy fishing and picnicking. The area is good for hiking, biking and horse back riding. Please refrain from using the trails when the orange flag is in place.See more..
I covered the full length of the Wauponsee Glacial Trail on my bike over three rides, one each in Spring, Summer and Fall. This is a very nice crushed stone trail that runs from Joliet, Illinois south to the Kankakee River at Custer Park. The trail is a little over 22 miles long and is mostly flat making for easy rides. The first three miles of the trail (from Joliet) are asphalt paved and the rest is crushed stone. Horseback riding is permitted on the limestone trail, and occasionally the trail may be bumpy from hoof prints. The trail has a varying atmosphere starting with industrial in Joliet, suburban near Manhattan, and then farming (no shade) near Symerton, and finally wooded in the southern miles. The end of the trail at Custer Park is pretty anticlimactic as it ends right after crossing the old railroad bridge. It would be nice if the termini (both) of the trail had some signage and some attractive features. Anyway, take a detour just before the Kankakee River bridge to the Rivals Lookout Park for a grand view of the bridge and the river. The trail is well maintained and well signed with mile markers, and mile signs also at road crossings. Rest benches are installed strategically. Occasional way markers provide interesting information about the area. There are several trailheads over the length of the trail, and the trailheads are well facilitated with a trail map, a water fountain, a restroom, parking and an occasional picnic shelter. Wauponsee Glacial Trail is an excellent trail for biking or hiking. The wooded sections are teeming with birds in season, and the farming sections are a beauty in season.See more..
5.0Black Partridge Park(1 review) - A terrific hike! Biking Trails • Hiking Trails An afternoon hike at Black Partridge Park is a very satisfying way to spend a few hours with nature. The trails vary in difficulty, but most are easy to walk. They traverse some gently flowing streams over simple footbridges. During any season, the scenery is vibrant. Great walk with the family or by yourself! See more..
It was a nice natural woods type park and preserve area. Lots of trees and forested areas, But this woods had quite a bit more grassy open areas than others in the area. Trails and biking areas and ball fields too. And some decent parkingSee more..
5.0I&m Canal Trail(1 review) - Historically important and entertaining Trail Biking Trails • Hiking Trails • Jogging Paths & Tracks
I rode my bike on the I&M Canal Trail from Joliet to Lemont going through the towns of Romeoville and Lockport, covering a distance of approximately 13 miles, while the full I&M Canal Trail runs (somewhat disjointed in places) about seventy miles from La Salle to Willow Springs along the old canal towpath. The trail is marked with unmissable mile markers along with historical vignettes. Also, educational placards are posted frequently about the history of the canal and the stories of those who built and traveled the waterway. The trail surface varies, from crushed limestone, with the section through downtown Lockport being asphalt paved. Great views of the canal and the Canal Locks are available along the trail. The trailhead in Joliet is at the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site where one can explore the remnants of what was once the second largest steel mill in the country. This is a worthwhile stop on the trail. The pretty smooth trail continues on to Lockport where the trail assumes a historic nature with more frequent historical markers. This section through Lockport is beautiful, shady, running right by the canal. On the way out of Lockport, the trail begins to feel industrial running next to an oil tank farm. At the Romeo Road underpass in Romeoville, the trail has a break, and continues on to the Centennial Trail on the west side of the canal. In Lemont, the trail is part of a nice park just off Front Street, with easy access to restaurants and shops downtown. The trail continues through the historical limestone quarries and covers both sides of the canal, and goes past a new sports park called the Forge. But, the trail ends kind of unceremoniously in the north at the fence of a refinery. The I&M Canal Trail is a great opportunity to learn the interesting history of the canal.See more..
The North Branch Trail runs approximately 20 miles along the North Branch of the Chicago River. The trail winds along the Chicago River past the Skokie Lagoons and through forest preserves. But I did not get much views of the river when I biked the north six-miles of the trail. At the north end of the trail, the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, is a pleasant excursion. A bike rider can park the bike at the entrance and have a free entry to the fabulous garden. The north section of the trail also features a ~4-mile loop around Skokie Lagoons and Erickson Woods. The loop’s west side runs along I-94 and highway traffic is quite noisy; the eastern side of the loop provides a more peaceful experience as it winds through the woods, though it is more hilly. The North Branch Trail has plenty of amenities, with parking lots, bathrooms, and picnic areas. Though several road crossings occur along the way, they are well-marked and have adequate safety measures. It is a very enjoyable trail.See more..
4.0Waubonsie Creek Trail(1 review) - Lovely lake view and nice trail Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Hiking Trails • Jogging Paths & Tracks
Rode my bike on Waubonsie Creek Trail in Aurora (not to be confused with Waubonsie Trail in Oswego) on a week day afternoon in September. The whole trail is completely asphalt paved north to south, though a few small stretches are rough due to age. Total length is about 4 miles from Spring Lake Park in the north to Rush Copley Complex in the south. The loop around Lake Waubonsie is most beautiful and popular with families and walkers. The dam that creates the lake is beautifully designed and provides opportunities for recreation. I did not see adequate trail markers or trail maps posted; it may be a little confusing for someone new on the trail. Eola Community Center is a good central parking spot to access the trail. I will certainly visit again, especially to go around the lake.See more..
5.0Rock Run Greenway(1 review) - Beautiful Trail with variety Biking Trails • Hiking Trails • Jogging Paths & Tracks
Rode bike on Rock Run Greenway Trail from Rock Run Preserve south to Joliet Junior College (a distance of about 5.5 miles). It is a beautiful trail traversing a mix of natural areas and cityscapes. An interesting item is an array of solar panels at the college complex. The trail is asphalt paved and it is pretty flat. The trail continues north from Rock Run Preserve to Theodore Marsh, but that section of the trail is not well marked at the major road intersection at Rock Run and follows some busy streets for a while. The south end of the trail at the college has connections to the I&M Canal Trail, though I did not check it out.See more..
The Rock River Recreation Path is supposed to be an about ten mile urban trail in Rockford. But it consists of pretty disjointed sections. On my recent ride in August, I covered about three miles of the trail with the Sinnissippi Park being about the midpoint for my ride. The section of the trail north of Sinnissippi Park was more enjoyable than the south section. On the south side, I went up to East Jefferson and crossed the river on the trail bridge underneath the street bridge. The trail bridge is beautiful but the rest of the trail looked like it needed maintenance. On the north side, I went up to Illinois Street Park, where the trail just ended at roads without any signs for its supposed continuation. Nevertheless, the three miles of the trail I rode has some beautiful attractions along the way such as - The Prairie Street Brewing Company in a historical riverfront building, the Guardians of Rockford (rock sculptures), the Sinnissippi Park, the lovely Nicholas Conservatory, and the Symbol (a huge steel sculpture). The trail provides great views of the Rock River. Since, the trail is not well marked at road intersections, I suggest a thorough research before one tries to do the whole trail. Then it may be a more enjoyable ride.See more..
Are you looking to take a small stroll, large hike, or a challenging mountain bike ride? Look no further than the Route 66 Hike & Bike Trail at Lake Lou Yaeger. A round trip trek on this trail is approximately 6.6 miles. Trails are marked. Bathrooms available April through October. Picnic areas and rest stations throughout. All skill levels welcome.See more..
