Explore the best rated trails in Kankakee, 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 61 trails covering 4356 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 do this trail at least 3 times a week, it’s a beautiful trail. You can get lost if you don’t know it. Stick to the trail close to drive. I know it all too well so I don’t get lost. But the scenery coming around the corner of Fullerton is just spectacular, the view north from the museum campus is amazing. I love this trail and it’s my comfort zone.
Trail is closed at Rt. 30 heading North from Erie Lackwana trailhead.
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.
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.
We started in Akron and rode about 18 miles north. Loved it!!!
I've had this trail on my to-do list for a few years and finally made my way down today. My perspective comes on an upper 70's-degree, bright sunny Saturday. I started at the west end, biked to the east end at Willow Springs, and did the full loop for about 25 miles.
This trail rides like a straight road that offers little resistance. Yes, there are bends and turns along the length of the trail, but there's not a single spot on this path that really slows you down. The trail is entirely asphalt and in some places, pure road. All bikes will find this trail user friendly, but road bikers especially love it. They were 90% of who were riding today. The asphalt itself is in great shape. Most of it appears to be newer, and the trail is nicely taken care of.
About the only drawbacks I saw: The trail becomes a road that shares space with semi's and other large trucks for about a mile. I didn't have any troubles back here, but when a truck drives by you're going to get some dirt kicked up into the air. Didn't care for that.
I parked at the west end which had a bathroom, signage and some seating. I didn't notice many benches along the path but a 3ft cement wall that resides in many places along the path would make for a good topping point for those who need a rest.
All in all this is a nice trail, especially if you're looking to go fast. In terms of site-seeing, I was a little surprised that you're siloed on this path and really don't see much of the surroundings while on the trail. Only a couple spots offer a view.
Happy trails.
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