Vernon Hills Trails and Maps

1538 Reviews



Looking for the best trails around Vernon Hills?

Explore the best rated trails in Vernon Hills, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail and Spring Creek Greenway Trail . With more than 128 trails covering 5020 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.

Recent Trail Reviews

Centennial Trail (IL)

This trail rides FAST!

October, 2024 by ericevan

I've had this trail on my to-do list for a few years and finally made my way down today. My perspective comes on an upper 70's-degree, bright sunny Saturday. I started at the west end, biked to the east end at Willow Springs, and did the full loop for about 25 miles.

This trail rides like a straight road that offers little resistance. Yes, there are bends and turns along the length of the trail, but there's not a single spot on this path that really slows you down. The trail is entirely asphalt and in some places, pure road. All bikes will find this trail user friendly, but road bikers especially love it. They were 90% of who were riding today. The asphalt itself is in great shape. Most of it appears to be newer, and the trail is nicely taken care of.

About the only drawbacks I saw: The trail becomes a road that shares space with semi's and other large trucks for about a mile. I didn't have any troubles back here, but when a truck drives by you're going to get some dirt kicked up into the air. Didn't care for that.

I parked at the west end which had a bathroom, signage and some seating. I didn't notice many benches along the path but a 3ft cement wall that resides in many places along the path would make for a good topping point for those who need a rest.

All in all this is a nice trail, especially if you're looking to go fast. In terms of site-seeing, I was a little surprised that you're siloed on this path and really don't see much of the surroundings while on the trail. Only a couple spots offer a view.

Happy trails.

Robert McClory Bike Path

Thoughts Of This Trail Getting Paved, And The Lack Of People Getting Caught Using Motorized Bikes!

September, 2024 by ij3175974

Good News! This Path Is Finally Going To Get Paved Soon, Between 2025 And 2026. I Can't Wait To See How This Path Turns Out, And I'm Ready For This Trail To Be Like The Kenosha County Bike Trail. I'm Glad They Are Doing This, Because I've Caught Several People Speeding On This Trail With Dirt Bikes, And I Think It's Annoying And Dangerous. The Signs Say No Equestrian, And Motorized Vehicles On The Trail, And People Don't Listen. Till This Day, People Still Ride These Motorized Vehicles On This Trail, Including The Waukegan Savanna Trail, Which Is Connected Right By The Trail Intersection In Beach Park, Right Next To The Lyons Woods Forest Preserve. Today, I Saw This One Person Speeding With A Dirt Bike On The Waukegan Savanna Trail, And I Was About To Film Him And Report Him To The Police. If I Catch More People Doing It, I Will Start Recording, And Reporting It To The Police, Because That Should Be Illegal. Overall, I Ride This Trail Often To Visit The Waukegan Airport, To Do A 10 Mile Round Trip Ride, Just Looking Forward To Seeing This Trail Paved, Hopefully In Spring 2025. Be Safe Guys!

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail

Mostly Cow Paths

September, 2024 by ronbadger66

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.

Accordion

Prairie Trail (IL)

Water fountain removed

September, 2024 by elissasteglich

The water fountain noted on the map at Hillside Rd no longer exists. Looks like it was taken out.

Oak Leaf Trail (Route of the Badger)

Great trail!

September, 2024 by nadia.rasberry01

Well maintained trail, no garbage or anything on the path! Was great for walking with a stroller there was one roughest patch we hit but that was it. Amazing views and a nice breeze from the water. Very active trail, pretty busy area.

Rock Run Greenway Trail

south end under construction in Sept. 2024

September, 2024 by jcook1950_tl

the south end of the trail along Houbolt Rd. from I-80 up to the junior college is under construction but still accessible as of September 2024.
otherwise as noted in earlier reviews, it is a nice trail.

Robert McClory Bike Path

street crossings

September, 2024 by given.sandra

We just rode this trail yesterday. Started at the south section of the Kenosha County trail. The limestone is well maintained and we didn’t see any trash or broken glass as others stated. It’s a great path but we didn’t like the numerous crossings. Folks don’t stop even when you push the yield light button. The north part of the trail goes thru sketching areas but we felt safe. Best part was when you get to the Great Lakes Naval station as the path is paved n beautiful. I doubt we’ll redo this one but do recomend for others who don’t mind the crossings.

Kenosha County Bike Trail (Route of the Badger)

nice trail

September, 2024 by given.sandra

Nice trail that is maintained well.

Des Plaines River Trail

Lake County is Awesome

August, 2024 by given.sandra

We completed this trail and absolutely loved the Lake County side. It’s about 32 miles long and nice, peaceful, ride. Once you enter Cook County, it’s very rough, tough and rocky ride. Extremely uncomfortable ride. Will not do that section again but will do Lake County side.

White River State Trail (Route of the Badger)

Lots of shade along the whole trail and the scenery is nice. Also, there's not a lot of people, so it's usually a really peaceful ride.

August, 2024 by rashielx

Lots of shade along the whole trail and the scenery is nice. Also, there's not a lot of people, so it's usually a really peaceful ride.

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail

bucket list part three

August, 2024 by jsunder

Better than battling cars to me. We saw tons of wildlife and the living history of the I and M canal! Won’t lie, very tough ride but super cool. Pair it with a visit to Starved Rock State Park and some hiking!!!

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail

Bucket List Ride part two

August, 2024 by jsunder

I’d read many negative reviews but wanted to do it anyway. I’m so glad I did. For me it’s a one and done trail. It’s a long trail and most of it over grassy and gravelly areas which makes it seem even longer since you can’t really ride that fast. But the grass had been cut and it was better than battling cars to me.

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Accordion

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