Explore the best rated trails in Cissna Park, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Covington Circle Trail and Big 4 Trail (Veedersburg) . With more than 12 trails covering 130 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.
The trail has a few spots where it’s kind of smooth but otherwise the concrete is severely heaved. Might be OK for someone to walk on, but not really suitable for biking. If you live in the area fine but don’t take a trip for this. Disappointing. There’s one nice stretch right before the bridge but that’s about it.
The newest addition to the trail nearly makes it a full circle. The CCT is one of the state’s best biking trails. It weaves it around the country side through some wooded parts of the area. The terrain can be a challenge as it is a fairly steep grade to tackle on a hot and humid day. All I all, it’s a great trail to ride.
Aug 2025
Aug 205
I typically ride prairie path area, but like to get out and find something different from time to time.
Did minimal research before heading down to ride here.
The north end of the trail is on a pretty industrial road beneath an underpass for I-80 and just north of a train crossing.
You can find a place to park within short distance of the trail, but next time I will park at one of the following:
#1
Sugar Creek forest preserve
17540 W Laraway Rd
Joliet, IL 60433
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2GMxcK6ZHjynGe8M9
#2
Near one of the businesses with big empty parking lots on the weekend where the trail crosses Mills Road.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1Grwn9j5QNm4wT6Y7
Heading south the first few miles is paved blacktop that does not appear to be that old, but has numerous bumpy patches from tree roots. After a few miles it becomes the self healing compacted gravel and is a nicer ride.
I did 16 one way, 32 miles round trip with the south end being Symerton, IL
I think 5 more miles gets you to the river.
There are a couple public rest areas with pit toilets, and a couple fountains also with taps to refill your bottle.
Did not see much in terms of food. There may have been if you ventured off a bit.
The only place inviting bikers were these folks.
Symerton Tap and Grill
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bLMprvEBzoduYS6V9
I don't like a big meal while riding, and just had my own snacks.
Nice ride, its little effort for me to get here, but can see doing this again once each year.
Despite the hot July day we had a terrific ride on this beautiful trail along the river. Rode the entire trail from the east end parking lot. Loved that most of trail was paved - despite some “heaving” due to tree roots and unexpected “dips”. Several bridges to cross and a special “lookout” over the river. The majority of trail is in the shade due to the many trees and beautiful canopy. Rode by an amazing oak savanna- making this a great trail. Can highly recommend this bike trail!!
Really love this trail, hometown trail and ride it 3-4 times a week. Only thing I wish is they would improve some of the paved trail that needs fixing (cracks/etc)
rode the trail on 11/2/2024 roundtrip from manhattan road (mile 7) to the kankakee river (mile 22) . it was in good shape almost the whole length and without loose gravel anywhere.
My first trail ride from near the Vermilion County Fairground to the west edge of Oakwood. Very nice ride. Nice scenery along the route. I only wish it was completed so I could go all the way to Urbana.
Rode this trail 7/6/24 and found it disappointing. Rode from mile 3.0 to 15.0 and back. The trail had sections of too deep gravel challenging traction. The entire route had loose stones and some ruts.
This is a real nice trail, but at times it’s more like a sidewalk than a bike trail. There are a lot of pedestrians and many many crosswalks. The trail ends in several different places so it’s a little bit confusing. This is more of a trail system than it is one trail. The trails are in pretty good shape but some of the more lonely stretches there was some broken glass. lonely stretches, have broken glass and things on them so you really need to know where you are going.
We wanted to start at the very beginning of the trail. We parked in the parking lot of the Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall with no problems. To get to the trail from there you will have to ride on the street about 2 blocks so be careful of cars. The first three miles of the trail are asphalt paved but there are numerous locations that have either buckled or have tree roots that are pushing up; so this has caused there to be some pretty intense bumps along the way. No worries about this…just try to avoid them because after about mile 2.5 they completely go away. Not sure exactly what mile mark but the asphalt changes to a smooth and easy to ride limestone path. There are a few bridges that you ride across so those are decent photo ops. There is not a whole lot to
My husband and I rode this trail on 9/4/2023 and enjoyed our ride. Trail is crushed limestone and is in decent condition. The trail is more sun than shade so take that into account when riding. There are places along the way to stop if needing a restroom or water.
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
