Explore the best rated trails in River Forest, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Veterans Memorial Trail (IN) and Plum Creek Greenway Trail . With more than 126 trails covering 5416 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.
It appeared that a load of crushed stone was recently added to the trail. A grader was used to level and spread out the stone, but ruts were left by the truck tires and the grader making the ride a little too bumpy unless you hugged the side of the trail where the grader did not reach. I enjoyed the route which meandered through cornfields, woods and prairie. The ride was peaceful, but there was no shade and I had to swat a few mosquitos when I stopped. There was an 8-car asphalt parking lot with porta potty near the north end of the trail that was not listed in TrailLink.
The 12-foot-wide asphalt surface had some tree root-raised areas, but manageable. The middle section of the route was a nicely paved road dedicated to wastewater treatment plant traffic. The southwestern section of the trail was nestled nicely behind backyards. The sides of the trail were mowed and the trail corridor itself was not only spacious, but nicely captured beneath a canopy of trees. The trail was a little out of the way, but I highly recommend it if you happen to be in the area.
Probably the smoothest bike asphalt ride that I have been on in the greater Chicago land area. Disregard all previous (dated) commentary on the conditions of the trail. It is smooth riding all the way from Joliet to Chicago Heights with just a few bumps once you are east of Metteson.
Rode 13 miles north from southern terminus in Custer Park to Will County Hwy 90 and back on cool, cloudy early fall day. I can confirm recent reviews that trail surface now is excellent; firm, smooth crushed stone, but bears attention is some places. The first 2 miles north from Custer park has a number of 3/4 to 2 In. loose stones and a couple of bigger embedded rocks poking through the surface, further north, occasionally outside of the very smooth main tracks there is loose gravel in the center and shoulders that might cause an issue for a thin tire/no tread bike. Also encountered a half dozen 50 ft sections with large, baseball sized walnuts scattered on the path. Although the trail borders Midwin Prairie, did not see any bison, only cattle at the northern end. Trail is arrow straight for miles, and often bordered by bushes that limit view beyond, but on the plus side has only one hard stop road crossing, U.S. Highway 6, so you can really keep rolling. Final observation is that there is generally a slight downhill grade from north to south. Good trail for a sustained effort ride, if somewhat boring at times.
We rode the Fox River Trail over two days in September 2026. We did a short ride from St Charles to South Elgin and back one the first day, followed by a ride to Aurora and then on to part of the Illinois Prairie Path before returning to St Charles. The trail was in excellent shape and, for the most part, was well marked. We thought the scenery was better going south, with lots of water fowl, flowers and points of interest to enjoy. This trail lived up to its expectations.
I just rode from my Chicago home to Racine on the North Shore Channel, Green Bay, R McClory and Kenosha County trails. The McClory is newly paved and well signed from the Great Lakes Naval Station north to the state line. There are no facilities other than the occasional bench, and there are long stretches without any shade. Otherwise it is a terrific ride!
The trail starts unassumingly in a residential neighborhood to the north and winds its way through Carthage College before bursting out of a canopy of trees into a spectacular, unobstructive view of Lake Michigan. The trail hugs the coast and meanders through a series of gorgeous parks. Just when your senses have almost reached their limit, you find yourself riding along Harbor Park filled with an assortment of sculptures, museums, and marinas. The Park is electric!
This was the most enjoyable ride I have ever taken. I will be back!
There are two cautionary notes, however.
1. The city roads between Poerio Park West and upper Alford Park are in horrible condition. Maybe avoid this northern section altogether.
2. The trail that goes south from the 50th Street bridge as you enter the Harbor is actually a staircase. I missed it the first time, but realized it on my return. There is a very steep embankment with a thin bike path next to the stairs, if you want to risk it.
I almost forgot to include this in my previous review:
If you do not like hills, DO NOT do either section of this trail.
Both the North and South sections used asphalt and crushed stone surfaces. Care must be taken when riding on the crushed stone. The trail is nearly 12 foot wide and it is neatly groomed, however, the stone is just loose enough to keep bicycle speeds down. The rider who tests their speed traveling downhill and around the blind curves will surely tumble. The age of the asphalt in both sections varies from "newer" to "desperately in need of repair." The southern section actually has a warning sign just south of Fairfield Park.
The last two miles of the northern section in Round Lake Beach is loaded with perpendicular cracks in the asphalt causing a jarring ride even at slow speeds.
One must be cautious at the street crossings although some of the busier roads have traffic lights with designated pedestrian cross walks. The signage was ok, but could have been better.
Except for the 2 miles of crushed stone from Sheridan Road in Highland Park to County Line Road in Ravinia, the entire trail surface it asphalt!
The first 11 miles of the trail from the Wisconsin border is newer asphalt; no cracks or bumps to worry about. Just a smooth ride. The northern section of the bike path, however, is plagued with several street crossings, all of which must be approached with caution. There is little to no shade on the northern section.
The southern section of the bike path has a lot more points of interest including various sculptures along the trail, Metra train stations, the Ravinia Festival grounds and interesting cities to explore. The southern section offers much more shade, but also has a few street crossings as well.
The trail does give way to the road in both sections, but the signage is good for the most part. There are new mile markers on the west side of the trail every 1/2 mile.
Love walking this trail. Quiet and safe mostly.
My 3 star review is because there needs to be signage when bikes pass, a shout out should be told to the walkers. Frequently I'll be walking and the bikes are so quiet it startles my dog or the bikes just squeeze by. It should be mandatory shout out “on your left!” when passing. Secondly, electric bikes are using the trail more often. Going 25-30 mph is not ok!
Same thing where most do not shout out when passing. Needs to be a rule regarding electric bikes.
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