Explore the best rated trails in Machesney Park, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Illinois Prairie Path and Paul Douglas and Crabtree Preserve Trail System . With more than 80 trails covering 770 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.
9/13/25 We began at the east end of the Lower Yahara Trail and then picked up the City Trail from there. Both trails were in exceptional condition. Traffic was busy, however the weather in mid-September in the low 80's certainly brought people out. A very friendly trail by anyone's standards. Well worth the 50 minute drive to get here. This is the second September we've rode this trail.
9/13/25 We began at the east end of the Lower Yahara Trail and then picked up the City Trail from there. Both trails were in exceptional condition. Traffic was busy, however the weather in mid-September in the low 80's certainly brought people out. A very friendly trail by anyone's standards. Well worth the 50 minute drive to get here. This is the second September we've rode this trail.
Started in Brodhead, and rode to Monticello and back on Labor Day weekend. First mile is right down 3rd avenue, which is fairly wide and marked for bike traffic, and car traffic was slow, and passed with plenty of distance. The trail itself starts on the north end of Brodhead, and overall was pretty good, packed crushed stone / fine gravel. We had no issues with our hybrids. The trail was relatively flat and an easy ride. There is one spot where the trail takes some sharp turns around a country club, and leaves the former railbed. The trail was a little soft in this part, and the curves little iffy, but still totally manageable on our bikes. 6 miles to Albany with decent scenery and shade. Crossing Hwy 59 on the north end of Albany was a little intimidating, but drivers were courteous and stopped to let us cross. Next up - 9 miles from Albany to Monticello. The scenery between Albany & Monticello was wonderful as you're either travelling in a protected wildlife area or right next to the river. The bridges looked tired, but posed no issues. Overall, saw a fair number of other bikers, maybe 2 dozen over the course of 4 hours? So definitely nice and quiet. Flush toilets and water fountains in Monticello & Albany, Pit toilet and water fountain in Monticello. 32.5 miles round trip for this section. Would definitely return to this one, it would probably be fantastic for fall colors.
Our annual women’s biking trip did this ride on our 3rd day, a total of 36 miles round trip. Woodstock needs to have a marked bike route from the end of Ridgefield Trace into downtown Woodstock as there is a lot of traffic where the trail ends. Some spots on the trail have a lot of bumpy cracks, but overall was OK for what we needed to get from Crystal Lake to Woodstock. Downtown Woodstock is very cute with lots of shops & restaurants with a cute park/square & where Groundhog Day was filmed.
Really nice trail but walker be careful. So many rude riders not letting you know they are coming behind you. 3 simple words “on your left”. When riding I always give walkers and other riders plenty of warning when passing, plus always slowing down.
(8/13/2025) - Beautiful day for a ride on the Jane Addams. Trail was in very good condition and it was a smooth ride all the way from Tutty's Crossing in Freeport to the Wisconsin state line (Badger State Trail in WI). Everything was green and lush and the country side scenery was beautiful. The Addams people do a very fine job of maintaining their trail. One of my favorites to ride every year! Highly recommended. Of course, don't forget to stop at Union Dairy afterwards for some delicious ice cream. It's the best.
My buddy and I rode the trail from Big Hill Park to downtown Janesville yesterday. What a great ride. About 60% of the trail is shaded. The blacktop three miles or so from Janesville is heavily cracked and rough but not too bad. The first 9mi it’s a very smooth trail. We’ll be doing this one again.
This is the portion that is most scenic. Part of the trail from Burlington to Rochester was closed
I ride on the Prarie Path almost all the time and I love it! Goes by many downtown areas and the places you ride by are pretty nice. I would recommend!
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.
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