Looking for the best trails around Elgin?

Explore the best rated trails in Elgin, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail and Tall Grass Greenway Trail . With more than 148 trails covering 4957 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

Recent Trail Reviews

Rock Run Greenway Trail

south end under construction in Sept. 2024

September, 2024 by jcook1950_tl

the south end of the trail along Houbolt Rd. from I-80 up to the junior college is under construction but still accessible as of September 2024.
otherwise as noted in earlier reviews, it is a nice trail.

Robert McClory Bike Path

street crossings

September, 2024 by given.sandra

We just rode this trail yesterday. Started at the south section of the Kenosha County trail. The limestone is well maintained and we didn’t see any trash or broken glass as others stated. It’s a great path but we didn’t like the numerous crossings. Folks don’t stop even when you push the yield light button. The north part of the trail goes thru sketching areas but we felt safe. Best part was when you get to the Great Lakes Naval station as the path is paved n beautiful. I doubt we’ll redo this one but do recomend for others who don’t mind the crossings.

Kenosha County Bike Trail (Route of the Badger)

nice trail

September, 2024 by given.sandra

Nice trail that is maintained well.

Accordion

Des Plaines River Trail

Lake County is Awesome

August, 2024 by given.sandra

We completed this trail and absolutely loved the Lake County side. It’s about 32 miles long and nice, peaceful, ride. Once you enter Cook County, it’s very rough, tough and rocky ride. Extremely uncomfortable ride. Will not do that section again but will do Lake County side.

White River State Trail (Route of the Badger)

Lots of shade along the whole trail and the scenery is nice. Also, there's not a lot of people, so it's usually a really peaceful ride.

August, 2024 by rashielx

Lots of shade along the whole trail and the scenery is nice. Also, there's not a lot of people, so it's usually a really peaceful ride.

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail

bucket list part three

August, 2024 by jsunder

Better than battling cars to me. We saw tons of wildlife and the living history of the I and M canal! Won’t lie, very tough ride but super cool. Pair it with a visit to Starved Rock State Park and some hiking!!!

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail

Bucket List Ride part two

August, 2024 by jsunder

I’d read many negative reviews but wanted to do it anyway. I’m so glad I did. For me it’s a one and done trail. It’s a long trail and most of it over grassy and gravelly areas which makes it seem even longer since you can’t really ride that fast. But the grass had been cut and it was better than battling cars to me.

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail

Bucket List Ride

August, 2024 by jsunder

As a young child I visited Starved Rock State Park which at the time seemed like 1000 miles from home. When the Cal-Sag trail was built and I heard it connected to the Centennial trail which connected to the I and M state trail making it possible to ride from my home all the way to Starved Rock Dtate Park on a bike trail I knew I wanted to do it some day. on e

Seven Waters Bike Trail (Route of the Badger)

Burlington to end n back

August, 2024 by given.sandra

Trail has different terrains, from pebbles, limestone, paved n larger gravel. We expected to only do this route n back, but due to poor signage, we rode 14 miles extra miles as we caught a different trail. I didn’t care for the larger gravel in the last 4 miles. Also, some of the limestone was not kept up. We rode carefully in those areas. Finally, there were many instances that you cross a street which didn’t have a slight ramp. Won’t do this trail again!

Des Plaines River Trail

Desplaines River Trail (Cook County) from North Ave. to Tuohy

August, 2024 by jcook1950_tl

Segment starting at North Avenue then up to Lawrence Avenue is still very rough: dirt, rocks and roots abound so prepare for a mostly bone-jarring ride. Will be muddy and can be flooded after rains-especially in the tunnels. There is a dangerous road crossing at Irving Park Road. The county has future plans to improve this segment. Starting at Lawrence there is a new crushed stone path (with bridges over Lawrence and the Kennedy X-way) that goes all the way north to Tuohy where the pre-existing trailbed continues.

Salt Creek Trail (IL)

Great trail

August, 2024 by xzorikos

Cool trail, watch out for closure under 294 for construction. On the way down the trail we went around… on the way back we snuck through the construction zone given it was a Sunday. (Results may vary) ¿

Great American Rail-Trail

West bound from Ellensburg. August 2024

August, 2024 by tastesbadtobears

We ( recumbent trike & e-bike) headed West from the Kiwanis park. Turned around after 9km as the surface was really tough on the trike. There’s 2 good wheel tracks for bikes, but the trike had to ride partially in the coarse trail ballast. Scenic area with farm views and a huge windmill farm in the distance.

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Accordion

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