Explore the best rated trails in Wilmette, 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 126 trails covering 4888 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.
Busse Forest Nature Preserve is a slice of tranquility completely surrounded by the chaos of highways and the hectic, hurry up conditions of suburbia. It's like a mini Central Park, but in the burbs of Chicago. If I was fortunate to have something like this near my home in my metropolis of southern California I'd be hiking, biking, or fishing it every day!
Since I as staying at the Hampton Inn in Schaumberg, I simply rode my bike down the Schaumberg Bikeway alongside Woodfield Road for about a half mile to access the park.
It was shortly after sunrise on a chilly weekday morning in early October as I entered the serenity of the preserve and its forests, lakes, and large grassy areas. I was joined by dog walkers, joggers, fishermen, bicyclists, a rollerblader, and hundreds of geese.
The treelined paths were carpeted with golden leaves, and many large flocks of geese called many of the grassy areas home. I was fortunate enough to see and hear a massive bull elk making its wailing, bugle-like call in an attempt to entice two cows he was near to get cozy with him.
All in all, Busse Woods Trail is a delightful system of curvy trails, dense woods, large swaths of lawn, and beautiful lakes. What a precious gem for the communities of the burbs and this lucky visitor from SoCal!
Once a great hiking preserve no not so much. It is evident that funding just isn’t there for a quality site like other county trails. They still have a chain link fence blocking off an area damaged years ago which looks like an excuse to no maintain and save money. As it’s been under repair for a good 10 years. Deer grove was my backyard growing up and it was an amazing preserve it’s sad to say that it is no more
Don't bother. Trail is still closed and the canal has been drained. The wildlife is gone and the trail not maintained. This is why I gave it a one star rating. There isn't a zero rating which it deserves.
I basically drove from romeoville to morris halfway from morris i started to feel like this trail was not safe when you get out from the woods park west and the bridge is gone in morris so just avoid the trail going to seneca
My husband and I rode this trail on 9/4/2023 and enjoyed our ride. Trail is crushed limestone and is in decent condition. The trail is more sun than shade so take that into account when riding. There are places along the way to stop if needing a restroom or water.
Misleading description- was anticipating an entire asphalt ride - instead found sections to be gravel. ¿
Enjoyed the newly paved loop on this trail. Lots of shade along the path. Bonus, when you are done riding a great micro brew location quenches your thirst.
My wife and I biked the trail this (Monday) morning, starting at the swing bridge just north of Romeo Road, going all the way 12 miles north, then back. The trail is nicely paved and most of the way goes through beautiful, shaded woods. Two or three miles go along an industrial, barge docking area along the river. One mile of this stretch, there is no dedicated bike path, instead you bike along Canal Bank Road. The trail connects to several other nice trails. I’d probably give Centennial Trail 4.5 stars if possible. A very nice trail for the most part. We enjoyed it.
I just rode this from Joliet to the Kankakee River and it was smooth, great, and very picturesque! I was on my way to Urbana and this is a joy to ride! It is definitely worth the visit as it goes by the Buffalo Preserve too!
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