My husband and I enjoyed the Fox River Trail and would definitely ride it again! We started in Aurora and rode just beyond St. Charles. I would like to let other riders know about certain things we encountered to better help them with their ride. Watch out for squirrels and little chipmunk squirrels that can dart out on the path at anytime! This is something I never encountered before on other paths. Also, we encountered ducks and geese on several parts of the path that do not seem to care whether they cross or are on the path at anytime. This did make it hard when we built up speed, then suddenly had to brake because of these ducks and geese! This path is full of curves, so please be careful! It is really awesome! Another thing we encountered was a sign by the river, in Batavia, that stated bike riders stay to the left. We stayed to the left, and then the path dead-ended by some stairs, so we had to turn around and get back on the path via the street. At one point, just past St. Charles, we lost the path and were headed into a subdivision on another path. That was a bummer, but we turned around there anyway and headed over to St. Charles for a bite to eat before heading back to Aurora. Later, when we had the opportunity to check out the map, we found out that we had lost the path there, and we were not on the Fox River Trail. Yet, all in all the Fox River Trail was a beautiful experience full of quaint towns, picturesque scenery, wildlife, and people in their day-to-day life around the river. I would highly recommend this path!

From: The Winfield Post
http://www.winfieldpost.com/alternative-traffic-report/

'Users of the IPP Elgin Branch will find smooth brand new surface and underpasses beneath both Stearns Road and Rte. 25 on the approach to the Fox River Trail at South Elgin. At the northern end of the Elgin Branch, the Fox River Trail remains closed where flooding from two years ago has damaged the bridge on the east side of the river.

'“It washed out the bridge footings and caused the bridge to slump,” Forest Preserve District of Kane County Director of Operations and Maintenance Michael A. Holan said. Bridge repairs have been held up due to poor soil conditions.

'“We have been working with an engineering company to get bid specifications and documents to repair the bridge,” Holan said. “Unfortunately due to some unforeseen poor soil conditions the engineering company was not able to draw up specifications and has deferred to another engineering company that specializes in the design that will be needed. They are about half complete with their specifications at which time they will need to be combined with the original engineers’ site survey and a specially designed bracket to hold the bridge to a driven pile footing.”'

Info regarding IPP or Fox River path:
http://www.kaneforest.com/publications/releases.aspx

I'm originally from Crystal lake and I remember when I was in high school (early 90's) a patch of rails was turned into a biking trail and I remember riding it to Algonquin. Is this the same trail or is the trail to CL a spur of the Fox River Trail??

The new Hwy 25 underpasses and resurfacing at the Illinois Prairie Path-Elgin Branch near the intersection with the Fox River Trail are great. But the Fox River Trail headed south from South Elgin is still closed as of June 1. Does anyone have any information about the future of that part of the trail?

Just recently they have made a new path connecting Fox River Trail to the IL Prairie Path it follows the new stern road bridge/route 25 that they have built. They are also saying their going to build a park buy where the bridge starts on the east side. It's also about a mile and half and all asphalt. Buy the connection with the IPP there are two tunnels so you do not have to cross streets expect for one which is more of a side street but i does have i light. By making this path it makes a bout a 8mile ring around the east side of South Elgin. It connects two great paths and makes a great quick ride.

This is a world class trail. I have ridden almost every route and spur from the FRT. The trail goes from Oswego to Wisconsin (after McHenry, the last 7 1/2/miles, the trail is hard packed dirt (but worth it)). Lots of great places to stop about every 3-4 miles. There are a couple of bike shops along the way. btw, geneva has the mill race cyclery, they have ice cream.

Unfortunately, this trail is in bad shape. The following sections are closed and I have not been able to find out when or if they will be opened again:
- From SEBA Park in South Elgin going South toward St. Charles
- From SEBA Park in South Elgin going north for about 5 miles. Then after about another 5 miles, the path is also closed by the bridge. Half of the width of the path fell into the river.

This is the 2nd summer that the south section and the north section by the bridge have been closed.
The north section by SEBA park was just recently blocked out.

I love this path. It is very sad to see that nothing was done to repair it.

The trail actually goes farther south than Aurora. When you reach Aurora, take Broadway along the East side of the Fox River, and after you cross the Gilman Trail, the Fox River Trail continues south into Oswego 5 more miles.

Rode from St. Charles to Batavia on Oct. 9, very pretty views along the river, route was smooth with numeous parks to stop at if so inclined.

My girlfriend and I rode an easy 10 miles from Algolquin to Elgin this Saturday starting late afternoon. The trail was flat, nearly empty, and there were pit stops and enough variety to make it an enjoyable ride. You ride in the shade a great deal of time because there's plenty of trees.

For portions of the trail, there are parallel sections on both sides of the river. The map does not show the sections where the trail is on both sides of the river. Also, along the eastern side of the river, the path has a gap in it around St. Charles and the route is directed along some streets. The map on this site does not have this somewhat confusing section mapped entirely correctly.

This trail is a nice trail for
new riders. Best section of the trail between Elgin and
Crystal Lake. Very many hills
north of Crsytal Lake and South of Elgin

"This trail was largely constructed in the 1980s and some sections have not been resurfaced since. Watch for occasional bumpy stretches. For being in the Chicago suburbs, it has some good scenery. There are a few road crossings that require extreme caution like Main st in Carpenterville, IL 72 in East Dundee, and multiple crossings of IL 25 between St Charles and Geneva. "

My wife and myself are from Indiana. The Fox River Trail
was a great one day bike journey. little confusing on directions at times. We will ride again in the spring.
A great trail

Prepare to encounter some steep hills on this trail. There's quite a bit of street and sidewalk riding along this path. I try to avoid crossing major streets when possible and it was unavoidable on this trail.

"If you liked this trail in August, try it in October!!"

"My husband and I rode the trail from Oswego to Crystal Lake on July 31, 2004. It was a beautiful day, there were some nice changes in scenery and overall this was a very enjoyable trail.

I would concur, however, that the signage was difficult to follow, especially in and around Aurora and in a couple other segments of the trail.

Much appreciation to everyone who helps keep this trail maintained."

"My husband and I attempted to start at the beginning of the trail in Aurora, however, there isn't a clear beginning posted in Aurora or on the map on their website. The entire trail lacks signage that can steer a bicyclist through the towns it passes through. At times the trail flip flops from the west side to the east side.

We found our way by default-backtracking and retracing what we thought should be the correct way to go. You wouldn't think a fairly straight north and south trail could be so troublesome. If you want to do some longer miles on this trail be prepared to do a little backtracking. Also, better bicycle crossings across the main roads in Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles would be a great benefit."

"My wife and rode the Fox River Trail in early May 2004, from Aurora to the Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center. It was a terrific ride. I would recommend this ride to anyone."

Starting in aurora this trail connects to the McHenry trail and beyond into souther WI if so desired. Plenty of scenery. If opting for an impromptu off road yet paved century try doing it during the week when there are less people outside enjoying the riverfront. Also beware of a confusing detour in Elgin that takes you on downtown streets.

"Beginning at Aurora (which we recommend), this is one of the more ""creative"" bike trails in the country. Scenery varies quite a lot, and if you're house freaks (we are), you'll have a chance to see a tremendous variety of riverside architecture along with the natural wonders. The north end is not quite as interesting as the south, but overall this is a fine ride. The ride is never difficult. "