Des Plaines River Trail:
Illinois
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Description:
The Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway traverses north–south along the route of its namesake river along its course through Lake County. The corridor protects 85% of the riverine habitat in the county. The 31-mile trail connects numerous forest preserves, parks and communities between the Illinois–Wisconsin border and the Lake–Cook county line.

There is one short break in the Des Plaines River Trail in the Ryerson Conservation area, between Estonia Lane and Riverside Road. There are plans to bridge the gap. In addition, snowmobiles are permitted along the trail between Wadsworth Road (and in the wetlands research project area) and the northern terminus at Russell Road.

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Parking & Trail Access:
There are numerous access points and places to park along the Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway. Consult the local map for more details on access and the different services found along the way (see "Related Links" to the right).

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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Very nice ride
By hilbertdr in July, 2010
I've ridden this trail twice in the last year and both times were very nice, most recently a week ago. The trail is crushed gravel and in good condition most of the way. The first time there were a couple of muddy spots but this last time (in mid-July) the riding conditions were good the whole way (except for one brief detour). Both times we started at Half Day Forest Preserve and rode north, turning around about 5 miles short of the trail's northern end for a ride of about 50 miles. Macarthur Woods has a nice little lake and with water and toilets also available makes a nice spot for a break. There's some more or less gentle ups and downs and lots of curves and although most of the trail is in the woods there are a couple of nice prairie sections. There are relatively few road crossings. I like coming out of the woods near the Washington road underpass and seeing the roller coasters at Six Flags.
Des Plaines Trail
By DAN YOCHES in October, 2007
"Started at 1/2 Day road went about 15 miles north and back . I thought it was scenic and enjoyed its diversity. It was well maintained and was well traveled by bikers,walkers,joggers, and horses. "
Great Trail!
By Donnie Sanders in November, 2003
"I have been using this trail to run on for about two years, and I think it is a great trail. The surface is usually finely-crushed gravel that is very even and well maintained. The trail winds through several parks and forest preserves, and as such there are ample facilities and parking.

Street-crossings have been well thought out with only a few thoroughfares to cross, at which there are marked crosswalks. The appeal of this trail is the diverse areas through which it passes. There are areas where you will have fellow trail users, and other areas where you will enjoy the solitude. And distance is clearly delineated for runners who may want to pace themselves.

For its beauty, diversity and serenity, I give this trail the ranking of great trail!"
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Russell Rd east of Route 41 (Wadsworth nr. IL-WI border) to Lake Cook Road at Potawatomi Woods (Deerfield)
Counties: Lake
Trail Length: 31 miles
Trail Category: Greenway/Non-RT
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone
Trail Activities: Bike, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Snowmobiling, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6032692

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other Midwestern rail-trails in RTC's Midwestern Guidebook.