Great Western Trail (IL):
Illinois
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Description:
The western segment of the Great Western Trail in Illinois follows 17 miles of an abandoned railway corridor through DeKalb and Kane counties, between Leroy Oaks County Forest Preserve and the town of Sycamore. The Chicago Great Western Railway (later Chicago and North Western) was called the Corn Belt Route because it linked Chicago, Minneapolis, Omaha and Kansas City. Today, the crushed limestone trail provides access for cyclists, walkers and joggers, and in winter allows cross-country skiing and snowmobiling (the latter when snows reach 4 inches). Horseback riding is allowed on another trail adjacent to the Great Western Trail only. The trail also includes shelters and rest areas.

The open space created from the trail corridor offers thousands of acres of landscapes that are pleasing to the eye: wetlands, natural areas, farmland and rural communities. The trail passes through Virgil and Lily Lake, paralleling State Route 64. A newer section of the Great Western Trail is found in DuPage County to the east.

You can link the east and west segments of this trail—in a long, roundabout way—by continuing on the Randall Road Bike Path (coming soon to www.TrailLink.com) at this trail's eastern end in Leroy Oaks County Forest Preserve. Take the Randall Road trail north to the River Bend Trail (a.k.a. Silver Glen Trail, coming soon to www.TrailLink.com), which meets up with the Fox River Trail. Where the Fox River Trail meets the Illinois Prairie Trail (east of the river in Elgin), take the Illinois Prairie Trail east to the eastern segment of the Great Western Trail, where they intersect near Prince Crossing Road.

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Parking & Trail Access:
Parking is available in St. Charles at Leroy Oaks Forest Preserve on Dean Street west of Randall Road. There are a few spots along Wasco Road near its intersection with Route 64. There is space for a few cars where the trail intersects Hanson Road in Lily Lake and more spaces near where the trail intersect Wolley Road.

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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Good but bumpy trail
By Gregg Fieffer in July, 2002
"This is a fine trail for bicycle riding in that it is very scenic and mostly flat. Apparently going west there is a slight incline. You can see many kinds of birds including pheasants along this trail. Once you are west of the St Charles area, there are generally very few people on the trail which makes for pleasant side by side riding.

This can be a very bumpy ride in some parts though. Rain has caused many little gullies (for lack of a better term) and you must be careful not to hit them too hard. There are also many little pot holes and other bumps along the way. This is true more as you get out of the St Charles area where it is paved for the first 4 miles or so. There is enough parking at the Sycamore Trail head for about 4 cars. When I park there, there are generally no other cars parked there. At the trail and Hwy 47, there is a Gas Station/Mini Mart and that is the last of such things until you get to Sycamore (about 11 miles). All and all a great (but slightly bumpy trail). "
Western Trail
By Tracy in September, 2001
"I ride this trail quite often as its close by and an even grade. 2/3 of the trail is shielded by trees so you would not get burned up too bad in the heat of the day. The only downfall is if its a windy day, you'll be pushing against what seems to be a constant side wind out and back. There is ample parking at Leroy Oaks as well as a fountain, sheltered table, and outhouse. There is little in terms of gas stations or other places to eat until you get to Sycamore. There is one bar on the west side in Virgil (about 5 miles from the forest preserve), prices are very good and cash only."
Nature
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Leroy Oaks County Forest Preserve at Dean St./CR 53 (St. Charles) to Old State Rd at E. State St./Rt. 64 (Sycamore)
Counties: De Kalb, Kane
Trail Length: 17 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Trail Activities: Bike, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Snowmobiling, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6015752

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