Find the top rated running trails in Mazon, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I have been walking the woods around here for decades. The main bike trail is fine. Do not attempt to go in at jurgensen woods and try to head east though. Start at sweet woods across the street and stay on the main. Cook country forest preserve actively tries to only maintain the main paved bike trail. The very nice little jog which is shown here in jurgenson is not maintained at all and it’s a shame because it was a nice out of the way side quest 20 years ago.
I don’t know how anyone could give this trail less than five stars. There are hills of course. It does have fine P gravel. it gets busy with hikers during the weekends when the weather… because it’s a great trail! I have been hiking and biking this trail for years now and it’s one of the most scenic spots. If you are a street rider, obviously you would want pavement and a more even trail. As long as you know how to use your gears and pace yourself ..pay attention and look ahead. You’ll be fine. I am no expert bike rider. But this is a great trail. I highly recommend for all levels.
This trail segment winds through forest preserves alongside the river without any road crossings. There are some small hills and a short on-road section but a pretty easy ride with great scenery all the way. A few turf trails are in McDowell Grove preserve as a side trip.
This trail starts behind my home in sycamore. I’ve ridden it dozens of times. I like to stop at the winners circle at the speedway and grab lunch. Flat and well maintained.
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.
Rode the trail and continued up and over the bridge to connect with the Centennial Trail. Turned around at the flags just before Lemont road for a nice 15 mile loop.
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.
Aug 2025
Aug 205
I typically ride prairie path area, but like to get out and find something different from time to time.
Did minimal research before heading down to ride here.
The north end of the trail is on a pretty industrial road beneath an underpass for I-80 and just north of a train crossing.
You can find a place to park within short distance of the trail, but next time I will park at one of the following:
#1
Sugar Creek forest preserve
17540 W Laraway Rd
Joliet, IL 60433
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2GMxcK6ZHjynGe8M9
#2
Near one of the businesses with big empty parking lots on the weekend where the trail crosses Mills Road.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1Grwn9j5QNm4wT6Y7
Heading south the first few miles is paved blacktop that does not appear to be that old, but has numerous bumpy patches from tree roots. After a few miles it becomes the self healing compacted gravel and is a nicer ride.
I did 16 one way, 32 miles round trip with the south end being Symerton, IL
I think 5 more miles gets you to the river.
There are a couple public rest areas with pit toilets, and a couple fountains also with taps to refill your bottle.
Did not see much in terms of food. There may have been if you ventured off a bit.
The only place inviting bikers were these folks.
Symerton Tap and Grill
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bLMprvEBzoduYS6V9
I don't like a big meal while riding, and just had my own snacks.
Nice ride, its little effort for me to get here, but can see doing this again once each year.
Rode just about 8 miles on the Palos Hills end. Beautiful paved trail, beautiful weather on 8/24/25. Definitely would ride again.
After riding 7,000 or so miles since 2019; all over the country (but primarily N IL, Iowa, WI); today is the day I got to enjoy a paved trail in Cook County. We parked in the west and rode to East end in Alsip and back. Roughly 25 miles round trip. Hot humid and windy 92F. I felt like shade was about 50% of trail length. It is a Great trail as in you do not even know you are in one of the busiest counties in the nation. I wish we could figure out how to connect from Alsip to the lakefront. We tried to bike about a mile further east on the road but then it started to seem like an industrial park so we turned around.
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