Explore the best rated trails in Dekalb, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail and Tall Grass Greenway Trail . With more than 119 trails covering 4793 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.
Traveled roundtrip from 135th St (Romeo Rd). then south to Joliet at the Ironworks. Because the trail follows the old I&M canal there are no steep grades. Some parts in Lockport are paved but most of the trail is crushed limestone with few other trail users outside the cities. There are numerous markers all along the trail that explain the history of the canal and the surrounding area.
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.
The section from Bruce Road to the 355 tollway is gravel (not crushed limestone) and rather rough. The remainder of the trail westward is crushed limestone and is very scenic. At the 355 tunnel, you can head north on the Veterans Memorial trail which is asphalt and in excellent shape, super smooth with no annoying cracks. Night and day difference from the start of this trail.
Excellent visit for the second time we were able to make this trip from Joliet to Peru, it was wonderful, it is a safe road I think it lacks some maintenance but in general it is a very good, recommendable
We’ve ridden from Sumner Park in Pecatonica east to Meridian Rd. several times. It’s crushed gravel most of the way. Between Lundgren Rd and Hoisington Rd it’s grass and gravel and kinda bumpy. The rest is in pretty good shape. West of Pecatonica to Farwell Bridge Rd is fairly bumpy. It’s mostly flat. It runs along the power lines so it’s not shady. Great bike shop in Pecatonica though, Bicycle Hub. Open Tuesday-Saturdays. Right on the main street.
Biking between Sycamore and Lily Lake the trail is long, straight and flat - if that’s your kind of thing. Just lock your wheel straight and go. Trees offer protection from the sun and a nice farmland setting to view along the way, but could be monotonous for some. Trail parallels Route 64 on this section so there is some road noise, but no busy streets to cross. The crushed limestone is in great condition making for a nice relaxing ride. We much preferred the eastern end from Lily Lake to St Charles, but we started to encounter more trail traffic. A foray into Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve is worthwhile.
We rood from the William G. Stratton State Park to Rockdale which is a 46 mile round trip. We saw deers, water fowl, birds, and a large black snake on the trail. The trail is mostly unpaved crushed limestone that runs along the canal. It does have ample cover from the sun with plenty of trees and water views. Someone else pointed out that they experienced a fallen tree that was covered with poison ivy on their ride. While there was more poison ivy along the trail than I have ever seen in my life, there was a low chance of coming in contact with it unless you go off the trail and into the brush. The trail does need some grooming as there were a few large holes on the trail, an un marked rked flooded under pass and some parts that had signs that they might’ve under repair.
All pavement and most of it is in the forest preserve. The part along the road has plenty of path area. Just the right amount of incline and substantial length to make it a good ride without being overly challenging.
After many years riding the Illinois Prairie Path... my recommendation for a great place to park is at the Warrenville civic center... city hall and library. Free parking on the trail, new restrooms, and now there's bike shop, Recycled Cycling Bike Shop (closed Sunday and Monday). And a nearby hidden gem for after your ride is the Two Brothers Taproom, excellent beer and burgers. It's literally hidden in an industrial park.
We loved this path, paved nicely with a lot to look at!
This is a fine trail, but no longer gives you distances like it used to. I had to guess how far I went based on a silly 200 ft. bar at bottom of map. Seriously with all the walking/biking competitions for good health going on, how hard is it to give the mileage of the path?
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