Explore the best rated trails in Ottawa, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Old Plank Road Trail (IL) and Hickory Creek Bikeway . With more than 47 trails covering 4923 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 have been riding this trail for three years now. (2024 - 2026) No more. The gravel has, in many places, turned dusty, deep and slippery. You might enjoy the gravel on a gravel bike. I ride a skinny tire road bike. OK for the first two years. Not OK this year.
Rode the Blackwell Forest Preserve section on July 25, 2026. Despite hot temperatures, the shaded stretches kept us cool. The condition of the crushed limestone surface was smooth but dusty. The only glitch was that several times we rode around a bend only to be run off the trail by groups riding two or three abreast. First time that’s happened In 2000 miles of biking. Wouldn’t keep us from going again…outstanding trail.
Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.
This is my favorite rail to trail in the Chicago area. I ride a gravel bike. The wide open spaces and rural scenery is a relaxed vibe. I park at Sugar Creek Admin Center which has a nice parking lot and go all the way to the end just over the Kankakee River at Custer. My favorite section is the area that’s next to the Midewin Tall Grass Prairie. My tips for you if you’re going 40 miles round trip, water, a Gatorade, small snack. Folks on the trail are friendly and wave however once you get to the bridge crossing Hwy 102, things get weird. I don’t know why but the vibes are negative and you can feel it. I always want to see the river but again, bad vibes.
Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.
Kankakee is half gravel half asphalt. It’s a perfect 15 miles so back & forth you can get a nice 30. Adding miles through town isn’t hard just watch the areas you go through. It is a BEAUTIFUL trail! It travels through Kankakee State Parks & along the Kankakee River. Some rises & falls, nice little hills. Cute bridges one big suspension bridge over a creek where locals swim in the summer. The far (NW) side of the trail has a pit toilet & an archery setup with a big stand. You ride through campgrounds, suburb sections, fairgrounds, parks, make sure to stop at the Indian Cave. Lots of photos ops along the trail. I really highly recommend checking it out!
I don’t know how anyone could give this trail less than five stars. There are hills of course. It does have fine P gravel. it gets busy with hikers during the weekends when the weather… because it’s a great trail! I have been hiking and biking this trail for years now and it’s one of the most scenic spots. If you are a street rider, obviously you would want pavement and a more even trail. As long as you know how to use your gears and pace yourself ..pay attention and look ahead. You’ll be fine. I am no expert bike rider. But this is a great trail. I highly recommend for all levels.
Easy paved trail with lots of wildlife. steep incline after bluff road though.
This trail segment winds through forest preserves alongside the river without any road crossings. There are some small hills and a short on-road section but a pretty easy ride with great scenery all the way. A few turf trails are in McDowell Grove preserve as a side trip.
This trail starts behind my home in sycamore. I’ve ridden it dozens of times. I like to stop at the winners circle at the speedway and grab lunch. Flat and well maintained.
This is a short path off the north end of the Kishwaukee-Kiwanis Trail. It was freshly repaved for a smooth ride with nice greenery on each side and a bridge over the river near the northwest end. The path is handicapped accessible and there was no traffic on the neighborhood cross streets. I didn't linger, but based on the number of squirrels crossing the path, I could imagine seeing a fair amount of wildlife at the right time of day.
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