Explore the best rated trails in Machesney Park, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Lower Yahara River Trail and Peace Trail . With more than 80 trails covering 764 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.
We e-biked a Brodhead to New Glarus round trip with a short jaunt from Crazy Horse Campground (Great Place near the trail in Brodhead). Perfect day: 80 degrees, sunny, low humidity, a few mosquitos when we stopped. We have done this route two other times and this time was still a great experience even after recent weather events. Wisconsin DNR teams were clearing, mowing and as always extremely kind. There was one tricky, soft and slightly washed area just north of Monticello.
An incredible lesson learned while on the trail today. If you ever come across something of value to someone else....like a government ID or a wallet...pick it up and turn it in to the local police/sheriff. The owner of such item will be forever grateful to your kindness.
As of July 23, 2024 there are no signs of tunnel revival. The first six miles from the northern end are paved and well maintained. After that it turns to gravel and dirt. With a lot of grass. It appears neglected.
As of 7/7/24 no work done on tunnel. There isnt even a trail left, leading up to the tunnel. The tunnel project is a complete sham. Where is the 6 million dollars? Where did the insurance money go, for the bridge, north of Monroe? Time for someone to be held accountable.
Nice trail with cool bridge over Fox River. However, came across two viaducts west of the river with homeless people literally doing drugs as I rode through. I didn’t feel very safe.
Replace a bridge, with breaker rock up a 20 foot embankment. Where did the insurance money go? Close the tunnel, let land owners destroy the trail south of Monroe (driveways and drainage tubes). Please, who ever is in charge, QUIT.
Nice, peaceful, perfect weather Monday morning ride. There is a tree laying over the trail @ 5.3 miles from Cottage Grove. Had to duck low, but was able to ride under it on the side that is still off the ground. No other issues for this part of the trail. Very enjoyable trail.
Did this ride starting at the East end. Loved the views and the trail was well maintained. I do wish the connection through Burlington as more direct or better signed.
I live in Darlington and this trail is near my house so it’s nice for me to go during week and just bike to path. I rarely see any ATVs ironically, but I try to go on days/hours they may not be there. ATV riders though are respectful and I slow down or stop if big group goes by. This trail is doable with a mountain bike. I gave it 4 stars since the trail is getting pretty rutty probably due to all the rain we are having, mixed with the motorized vehicles on it.
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.
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.
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