Find the top rated birding trails in Morris, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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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.
rode the trail on 11/2/2024 roundtrip from manhattan road (mile 7) to the kankakee river (mile 22) . it was in good shape almost the whole length and without loose gravel anywhere.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
As a young child I visited Starved Rock State Park which at the time seemed like 1000 miles from home. When the Cal-Sag trail was built and I heard it connected to the Centennial trail which connected to the I and M state trail making it possible to ride from my home all the way to Starved Rock Dtate Park on a bike trail I knew I wanted to do it some day. on e
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