Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Michigan City, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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We rode from the parking lot near the corner of West Devon and N. Milwaukee in Norwood Park East up to the Chicago Botanic Garden and back, a total of just under 32 miles. The trail was in excellent condition--almost perfect asphalt surface, curvy, gentle hills and very shady. Most of the road crossings were quite easy--well regulated with lights or signage. We rode mid-day on a Friday in mid-May and there were only a few people on the trail (and one horse in the equestrian trail next to the bike/walk trail). We were on Class 1 e-bikes, following the 15mph speed limit, but did find that lots of people were speeding past us. The trail goes by many parks that include bathrooms and drinkable water.
We had planned to have lunch at the CBG, but found we'd have to buy tickets to enter ($23 pp). Apparently 3 years or so ago, you could get in for free and only had to pay for parking, as I had read in these reviews. We didn't have time to explore the garden so we ended up buying one ticket so one person could go in and purchase lunch for both us--we were hungry and did not want to ride busy roads to get to fast food places. There was a good picnic area by the parking lot where we could have our lunch.
CBG was a beautiful destination--you can ride through the perimeter of the garden with out buying a ticket. The Skokie Lagoon was also a wonderful natural area--full of deer and birds. I'd highly recommend this ride on the North Branch Trail if you're on Chicago's North Side.
I ran into minor construction on the 127th st. bridge, but the workers let me through no problem. The street crossings were annoying, but relatively safe. My only complaint is that the trail is somewhat dirty (especially at road crossings) and could use a good brush off and resurfacing.
I look forward to the day when this trail is completed to its proposed western terminus and connection with the Burnham Greenway!
Announced last week is the closure of the 127th St. bridge which is located just east of CalSag Road. This will take place from March to December, 2024. Or in other words, the whole biking season for 2024. The repair of the intersection at 127th and CalSag road was completed in late 2023.
I rode this on 2/26/24 a beautiful 70 degree day This trail runs from merrillville all the way to the Oak Savannah Prairie Park and connects to the Oak Savannah Trail - north to Griffith and south to Schererville and Crown Point
The Green Bay trail is nicely maintained but as others have mentioned the signs for how to keep the trail when going through residential areas is confusing. We found ourselves at one point randomly biking through Highland Park.
This is a great bike path to connect the community and keep children out of street.
The Panhandle Pathway is flat, secluded, has a few trailheads for easy access and there are two towns where you can easily grab something to eat (Royal Center and Winimac). The scenery might be a bit monotonous but in this case I found it serene rather than a detriment. Mileage is printed in tenth of a mile increments on the nearly perfect asphalt surface.
I rode the entire 21.5 mile length starting in Winimac heading towards Kenneth. It was an overcast weekday so I only saw one other cyclist on my entire out and back. There are many small road crossings but most of them had no traffic so I don't count that as a negative. I stopped for lunch in Royal Center which was a quick turn off from the trail.
If you are looking for a trial with varied scenery or challenging hills the Panhandle Pathway does not offer it. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing ride through bucolic farmland the Panhandle Pathway delivers.
Enjoyed the newly paved loop on this trail. Lots of shade along the path. Bonus, when you are done riding a great micro brew location quenches your thirst.
15 mph bike speed limit is like "No dunking" signs at a basketball court.
Not very smooth for inline skating, but great for walking, jogging and biking!
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