Explore the best rated trails in North Chicago, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail and ComEd Greenway . With more than 107 trails covering 1127 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 pavement of the Chicago section between Foster north to Lincoln is in very rough shape, and has only deteriorated since I started using the trail regularly last September (2024). Another priority could/should be the addition of some bridge overpasses (more underpasses are probably not feasible) so that trail users could avoid having to cross several busy (and only getting busier) intersections from Devon all the way up and into Evanston. It has some really enjoyable sections, though, and some stretches in Lincolnwood/Skokie have been recently repaved.
Rode the Busse Forest trail on a busy, sunny Saturday morning in late June 2025. The surroundings are terrific but the asphalt has many cracks that made the ride a bit bumpy. Still it is a great ride and I encourage everyone to try it. There are elks there although I didn’t see any.
Rode part of the Prairie Part starting in Warrenville a couple of days after substantial rain in June 2025. The trail had some very minor puddles but was in great shape. When in Warrenville don’t miss the great bike shop where I got some excellent advice about which way to go on the trail. Highly recommend this route. Thanks to the bike shop guys!
It’s not the ideal path, but to see the city from a different perspective, it’s cool. Little confusing to maneuver, but it’s cool. Nice beach on one side. I like it. I recommend it, but can be confusing.
I did this trail on bike 2 years ago and I hated it, signage is terrible, at one point after Golf road, you literally come to an end and have to carry your bike over train tracks and active train tracks. No signs of any sort. You go through a campground that confuses you even more. I won’t do it again. To ridiculous.
Like other reviews, I agree too many red lights that take forever to change, the smell of the garbage plant near by stinks, it’s an ok trail to walk but bike ride, no. You’ll be done in 20 minutes. From Devon to Greenbay road. I give it 2 stars for riding 4 for walking.
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.
I started on the West yellow loop. Two routes, either pavement which is terrible or lose gravel which is dangerous. The East side of Quentin is beautiful. New pavement and a nice meadow environment. Short though.
I enjoyed the south half but the part through the city was not well or marked at all. Route would be vastly improved with some signage.
Section between poplar grove and route 76 is getting worse by the day, the chipmunks are taking over and the sharp granite railroad balast is cutting into our tires. No money in illinois budget to repair bicycle trails, the only people enjoying the trail are on those motorized fat tire bikes.
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