Explore the best rated trails in Bradley, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail and Spring Creek Greenway Trail . With more than 63 trails covering 4420 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I’ve been walking and cycling this trail for most of my life and it’s always a wonderful experience, such beautiful scenery along the river. It’s by far my favorite trail in the Chicagoland area.
Rode part of the Prairie Part starting in Warrenville a couple of days after substantial rain in June 2025. The trail had some very minor puddles but was in great shape. When in Warrenville don’t miss the great bike shop where I got some excellent advice about which way to go on the trail. Highly recommend this route. Thanks to the bike shop guys!
Trail is closed at Rt. 30 heading North from Erie Lackwana trailhead.
I rode on this trail for the first time yesterday. It is well maintained, pretty shady, and has well placed maps. I will definately go again. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because there aren't any water sources at either end or along the trail. There are toilets (vault and a porta potty) at the ends, so that's a plus. At the Willow Springs end, about 2 blocks from the trail end, there's a Speedway gas station with snacks and beverages. You can see it from the trail. So if you go, make sure to bring plenty of water!
I was traveling through to Ohio and wanted to ride this trail. Due to traffic on a Saturday with a concert at Soldier Field, I arrived a couple later than I had hoped. So I had to push the speed to do the whole trail. I got done as it was getting dark. I would encourage others to allow more time to enjoy it. Not knowing this in advance, I parked near trail construction and where the following day's event parking was being set up, so it was congested. I found the main trail (lots of sidewalks/paths going everywhere) and headed north. A few miles north and I was at the end. Going south, I got goofed up by the detour signs and other trails. A "north" or "south" sign on the detour signs might have helped. Maybe just me. I finally got on the trail and went north. The write-up says it is 19 miles long and ends at South Shore Cultural Center; however, the mile post ends at 18 (with a zero on the other side of the post) was at 71st street. That was where the red line on TrailLink also ended. Both close to each other, but I wasn't sure why the difference in mileage. I didn't have time to explore more. I turned around there.
Even though I don't like city driving and it all looked hectic to me (thankful for GPS voice commands), I wouldn't mind doing it again in the summer when more venues would be open and take all day to ride it by going a slower pace and seeing the sights. And maybe with someone else who will do the driving!
This is such a cool trail corridor, but it's a bit of an adventure to ride it. The scenery is great--there's some neat canal lock remains, the trail has lots of shade, and there aren't a lot of road crossings. It's also nice that the trail passes through several towns, so there are good opportunities for meals or snacks. The trail itself is just okay. It is mostly dirt, with a little gravel, and is rather over-grown for large sections. Many sections are basically single track--keep your wheels on the narrow dirt trail and it's smooth, but it's grass and weeds close on either side. Probably not a good ride for narrow tires or trikes. We went a few miles past Ottawa to ride into Buffalo Rock State Park, the trail west of Ottawa was a bit better. Overall it was a good ride and I'd do it again, but go in knowing that it isn't a smooth wide trail.
note: the trail shown in red is the regional trail. it overlaps with the Waterfall Glen Main Trail except for a couple of areas. Be sure to read the Trail Markers
Straight flat the mile markers are off by 1.5 miles. The pavement is not smooth enough to skate on with ease. But for biking its fine. 80% friendly people to people of color.
The 10-mile stretch of the trail from st. charles to elgin is mostly asphalt with a few short lengths that are crushed stone. The trail is in good shape generally with hardly any heavings in the pavement. The scenery is mostly natural woods and very scenic. Between st. charles and the town of south elgin the river takes a big bend around a high bluff and the trail goes down a long hill as you travel north and over 2 bridges. Near the town of south elgin there is a trolley museum with tracks alongside the trail that working trolleys use on the weekends. Between south elgin and elgin there are many hilly sections. It can be a challenging but worthwhile ride.
Ok section, kind of dull. Agriculture & cows. Found a bit of shade by a grain elevator for lunch. Several washouts filled with tumbleweeds as you get closer to Lind.
Please note that the public is not allowed to pass through Fermilab. Rather, you must exit Fermilab through the same entrance that you arrived at Fermilab. Here is a formal quote from the Fermilab web site.
https://www.fnal.gov/pub/community/
“The public must not pass through Fermilab, but rather leave by the same entrance through which they arrived.”
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
