North Branch Trail:
Illinois
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Description:
The beautiful North Branch Trail is named for the North Branch of the Chicago River, along which it winds. At its northern end, the trail begins at the south end of the Chicago Botanic Garden and continues south to circle the Skokie Lagoons and Erikson Woods. It meanders south through wooded suburbs, beside golf courses, and among open space to the forest preserve at Edgebrook.

The trail offers plenty of resting areas and public restrooms. In places, there are alternate dirt paths through the woods. You also see plenty of wildlife.

At the Botanic Garden, you can connect to the Green Bay Trail. Continue north on the trail through the garden to Lake Cook Road and turn right (east). In less than 1 mile you'll see the Green Bay Trail where it intersects with Lake Cook Road.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To access the northern trailhead, take Lake Cook Road to the Chicago Botanic Garden, located east of I-94/Route 41 and half a mile west of Green Bay Road. Park here. You can also start from many forest preserves along the way as the trail heads south.

To access the southern trailhead in Chicago, take Milwaukee Avenue to Devon Avenue. Head 0.2 mile east to the Caldwell Woods Preserve. Take the entrance road labeled Caldwell Woods Groves 1, 2 & 3.
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Reviews: [3 trail ratings]
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Nice ride to the botanic gardens
By hilbertdr in June, 2011
This is a paved and mostly wooded trail that winds through forest preserves and terminates at the Chicago Botanic Gardens at one end. Since the Botanic Gardens only charges for parking, visiting on your bike is free. The lunch room at the Botanic Garden is surprisingly good and makes a nice place to break your ride. Most of the way, you wouldn't know your riding through densely populated suburban Chicago. You also don't need to worry about high water closing underpasses, unlike some other local forest preserve trails. It's one of our favorite rides. Nice weekend days it's a little crowded but that's the only drawback.
Beautiful
By aryckman in May, 2011
Today was my first time on the trail. I was delighted to find it well maintained and easy to use, only had to cross a few small roads but it didn't slow me down. Saw some wildlife, including a deer. Biked and ran a little bit on it and can't wait to use it more!
Good trail
By osiris326 in April, 2011
This is arguably the best trail within 30 miles of Chicago. It is an actual trail for the entire length no switching between streets and trail, it is paved and for the most part in great condition. Also the trail is relatively quiet mostly bikes and runners. Another good thing about this trail is that it is long, it is actually worth the drive to the trail because of this. The trail is mostly in the shade probably 85%. Wish there were more trails like this near Chicago.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Devon Ave. at Caldwell Ave. (Edgebrook) to Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe)
Counties: Cook
Trail Length: 20 miles
Trail Category: Greenway/Non-RT
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6032266

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