Explore the best rated trails in Rock City, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Peace Trail and Glacial River Trail . With more than 80 trails covering 735 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.
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.
I rode out-and-back on this trail and the connecting DeKalb Nature Trail on a warm Sunday afternoon. The good news is that there is no on-road component to this trail. It is all paved and passes under a few roads and a railroad as it follows the S. Branch Kishwaukee River. I started at the south end at Lions Park and immediately had to cross Taylor Street. There is basically no signage along the trail. Fortunately someone had painted some arrows on the pavement, apparently for a 5K race. The crossing at Lucinda was a little odd where you have to cut slightly west to cross at a driveway. There's a nice ramp to get you under, then over, the N. 1st Street bridge, then there's an at grade crossing at Hillcrest. All-in-all, it's not bad getting across those roads.
The trail smoothness varies. It's a little bumpy in areas, but not too bad. The least pleasant ride is adjacent to Sycamore Road near the north end of the trail. Through the wooded sections, there were areas of crunchy Osage orange and walnut(?) shells to traverse, but it's fall so that's probably to be expected. The scenery is suburban with a good dose of parkland. The trail seems to have more use by walkers than by riders. The round trip was 11.5 miles.
My son and I rode from the visitor center east to the first aqueduct, about 20 miles round trip. It was beautiful day, we took our time, looked for turtles and stopped at a Casey's in Wyanet for lunch. Keeping to a healthy diet I went for sausage pizza, Yoo-hoo and an iced sugar cookie. The trail was rough, and rougher in spots but not a problem on my gravel bike with 40 mm tires. My son rides a Synapse with 35 tires and did it have a problem. If you ride a road bike or prefer smooth trails this might not be for you. we enjoyed it.
Some really pretty parts but a lot of road riding. Started from Cattail Slough Boat Launch (free parking as long as you don’t have a boat trailer attached to your car), rode to Mississippi Pallisades State Park and camped. Rode back the next day. Campground was fantastic and Krumpets Bakery in Fulton should not be missed. The actual trail portions were nice and the Thomson Recreational Area was nice. In Northern Illinois you have to know that there’s going to be a lot of long distance straight sections but this was excessively so. Maybe 35% was trail and 65% road. Happy to say I’ve ridden it but won’t return.
9/13/25 We began at the east end of the Lower Yahara Trail and then picked up the City Trail from there. Both trails were in exceptional condition. Traffic was busy, however the weather in mid-September in the low 80's certainly brought people out. A very friendly trail by anyone's standards. Well worth the 50 minute drive to get here. This is the second September we've rode this trail.
9/13/25 We began at the east end of the Lower Yahara Trail and then picked up the City Trail from there. Both trails were in exceptional condition. Traffic was busy, however the weather in mid-September in the low 80's certainly brought people out. A very friendly trail by anyone's standards. Well worth the 50 minute drive to get here. This is the second September we've rode this trail.
Did a round trip from Dean Street to Sycamore and back. Trail surface is pretty good however there are a few washouts and gopher holes. You just have to be careful. True to a former railroad bed, it is flat except for a few bridges. No busy streets to cross. The elevation profile shows a gentle rise from each end to the middle.
Do not just ride the trail and go home. At the west end take a few minutes to ride through downtown Sycamore. It is a delightful town. Enjoy some of the classic old homes on South Somonuk Street.
Started in Brodhead, and rode to Monticello and back on Labor Day weekend. First mile is right down 3rd avenue, which is fairly wide and marked for bike traffic, and car traffic was slow, and passed with plenty of distance. The trail itself starts on the north end of Brodhead, and overall was pretty good, packed crushed stone / fine gravel. We had no issues with our hybrids. The trail was relatively flat and an easy ride. There is one spot where the trail takes some sharp turns around a country club, and leaves the former railbed. The trail was a little soft in this part, and the curves little iffy, but still totally manageable on our bikes. 6 miles to Albany with decent scenery and shade. Crossing Hwy 59 on the north end of Albany was a little intimidating, but drivers were courteous and stopped to let us cross. Next up - 9 miles from Albany to Monticello. The scenery between Albany & Monticello was wonderful as you're either travelling in a protected wildlife area or right next to the river. The bridges looked tired, but posed no issues. Overall, saw a fair number of other bikers, maybe 2 dozen over the course of 4 hours? So definitely nice and quiet. Flush toilets and water fountains in Monticello & Albany, Pit toilet and water fountain in Monticello. 32.5 miles round trip for this section. Would definitely return to this one, it would probably be fantastic for fall colors.
Really nice trail but walker be careful. So many rude riders not letting you know they are coming behind you. 3 simple words “on your left”. When riding I always give walkers and other riders plenty of warning when passing, plus always slowing down.
(8/13/2025) - Beautiful day for a ride on the Jane Addams. Trail was in very good condition and it was a smooth ride all the way from Tutty's Crossing in Freeport to the Wisconsin state line (Badger State Trail in WI). Everything was green and lush and the country side scenery was beautiful. The Addams people do a very fine job of maintaining their trail. One of my favorites to ride every year! Highly recommended. Of course, don't forget to stop at Union Dairy afterwards for some delicious ice cream. It's the best.
Just finished riding this trail over four days. They were in the middle of repaving a section which I thought was great but right along route 84 very scary and hazardous.. you either had to walk your bike through the grass, or take your chances on the highway. The trail is poorly marked when you have to take secondary roads to reconnect with the trail, especially when you’re heading towards Moline.. good places to stay very close to the trail and there is no problem finding any place to eat. I’ve ridden it once that will probably be my only time I will ride this trail..
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