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.
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.
I have ridden on this trail since I was basically able to ride as a kid. It has always been my favorite and since I only live a few miles from it I use it as a commuter trail to get to where I work. It has always been well maintained and there are few ...
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 ...
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 ...