Explore the best rated trails in Rochelle, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail and Tall Grass Greenway Trail . With more than 85 trails covering 4508 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.
trail is in great shape. from villa park westward it goes through residential areas with many road crossings with a bridge over the railroad/highway in lombard. but after that there are few crossings and a natural landscape.
although not shown on the trail map, there is now a trail connection just east of prince crossing road that goes north along the west branch of dupage river and fair oaks road which leads to the north central dupage regional trail at schick road.
Coming from Chicago, we have only ridden this trail as a day trip and ridden from Orangeville, IL (Jane Addams Trail) to Monroe (Twining Park) and back. This stretch is on a slight incline most of the way from Orangeville to Monroe, so the ride back is a lot easier. Trail is well maintained, and mostly shaded by trees. Trail in Monroe proper was a little dicey due to no protection from the elements, a bit of a steep hill, and a lot of runoff from rain by 8th street. Crossing at 8th street is "interesting". Pit toilet in Orangeville, with a BP gas station right across the road, flush toilet in Twining Park. Went riding on 10/26, and saw a grand total of 5 other people the entire ride (2 bikers, 2 walkers, 1 jogger). Only trail I've been on where there were complete moments of silence, combined with some of the scenery, just absolutely breathtaking.
Rode our hybrids from Freeport Public Library to trail and followed it to the state line. Found it to be well maintained, flat and very little bike traffic. We biked on a Friday morning. FYI the library has paper maps of the trail.
Like all rails to trails, a good connector for locals but for bike touring, tedious. Boring, straight, only a few peeks of rolling farm land to catch your eye, when it wasn't on the trail - immediately in front of you. Sections of the trail are in jaw-jarring condition. Beware: with leaf litter you can not see the periodic holes, non existent bridge transitions, broken asphalt...you get idea. Sad that some entity can not repair these hazards. We def would not continue west, beyond Poplar Grove. Our bodies can't take it!
We started in Akron and rode about 18 miles north. Loved it!!!
Rode from Colona to Bureau early October. The trail was dry and in good enough condition to average 9-10mph. There was lots of animal and bird life. I was surprised at how few people I saw. It was very peaceful. The only trail hazard of note were walnuts in the path. I did notice that there could be issues if it is wet. Drainage and mud could be a problem. I do ride a Surly Ogre with 29x2.35 tires and 45 lbs of gear on it. Navigation was not a problem.
Rode from Colona to Bureau early October. The trail was dry and in good enough condition to average 9-10mph. There was lots of animal and bird life. I was surprised at how few people I saw. It was very peaceful. The only trail hazard of note were walnuts in the path. I did notice that there could be issues if it is wet. Drainage and mud could be a problem. I do ride a Surly Ogre with 29x2.35 tires and 45 lbs of gear on it. Navigation was not a problem.
My wife & I rode two days from LaSalle toward Ottawa and from Ottawa to Marseilles on our recumbent etrikes. Had to turn around the first day before getting to Ottawa, as the trail became two narrow paths through the grass that were impassable for the trikes. The second day we had to lift our trikes over a fallen tree. There were no trail workers to be seen anywhere. That part of the trail rarely followed the canal, but instead wound through the woods on a cow path like trail. The 20 miles or so between LaSalle and Marseilles are not suitable for road bikes or recumbent trikes, but instead are only desirable for cross bikes or fat tire bikes preferably with electric assist.
Such a beautiful path, partially in shade- partially open. There are multiple restrooms along the way, benches, picnic tables as well as a playground about halfway thru the trail! The paved path was mostly smooth and very easy to navigate. There is a few dips and hills but nothing challenging. Highly recommend!
The water fountain noted on the map at Hillside Rd no longer exists. Looks like it was taken out.
Trail is really nice and taken care of. There are a a few sand traps along it tho. It’s mostly shaded until you reach the asphalt. Decent parking along it. I very much dislike the detour on this trail..it’s super hilly. Really regret coming to see the tunnel while still open.
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