Fox River Trail (Algonquin to Aurora):
Illinois
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
The Fox River Trail features 32 miles of spectacular biking, hiking and cross-country skiing along the scenic Fox River. The paved path can be challenging at times, but the extra pedal pushing is rewarded with some impressive scenery along the trail and in the small towns.

As the trail meanders south from Algonquin, it closely follows the Fox River. It is possible to switch back and forth over the river since the trail does extend on both sides of the river at times. While this is a nice amenity, it also increases the potential to be confusing. The signage along the trail is good in most parts, but be sure to consult a map before heading out for a longer trip.

The upside to bouncing back and forth across the river—aside from the scenery—is the bridges you cross on. The Fox River Trail offers no less than six of them, some specifically for bicycles and pedestrians, across the river. The bridges are perfect spots for some of the best photo opportunities to be had along the trail. The bridges vary in form and function, from trestle to pedestrian, and allow you to experience the Fox River from many different viewpoints.

The trail was built on the former Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad line and hosts a multitude of different birds, trees and wildlife, including bald eagles, herons and woodpeckers.

The Fox River Trail draws a lot of visitors, and many of the towns, and business owners, along the trail have embraced the tourism. You will find restaurants, cafes, bike shops and souvenir shops.

Small parks that dot the landscape throughout the trail are perfect for picnics or a well-earned break. They are local fishing haunts, too. So whether it is for a leisurely stroll, a hard cycling workout, a picnic in the park or just a relaxing day of fishing, the trail offers plenty to make your day.

... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Algonquin trailhead from State Route 31, travel toward Algonquin and turn east on State Route 62 then north on North Harrison Street. Riverfront Park, with parking, is approximately a quarter mile ahead.
The Aurora trailhead can be accessed from Interstate 88 (Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway). Exit on to State Route 31 in Aurora and head south. Willis McCullough Park is on the left in approximately 1 mile.
... Click to read more
... Click to read more
Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
A Great Path For A Great Bike Ride!
By blitzchips in August, 2011
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!
Fox River Trail at IPP Elgin Branch
By clincher in July, 2011
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.”'
IPP and Fox River Updates
By il60103 in July, 2011
Info regarding IPP or Fox River path:
http://www.kaneforest.com/publications/releases.aspx
Browse Trails by Activity: