Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Morris, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Probably the smoothest bike asphalt ride that I have been on in the greater Chicago land area. Disregard all previous (dated) commentary on the conditions of the trail. It is smooth riding all the way from Joliet to Chicago Heights with just a few bumps once you are east of Metteson.
Rode 13 miles north from southern terminus in Custer Park to Will County Hwy 90 and back on cool, cloudy early fall day. I can confirm recent reviews that trail surface now is excellent; firm, smooth crushed stone, but bears attention is some places. The first 2 miles north from Custer park has a number of 3/4 to 2 In. loose stones and a couple of bigger embedded rocks poking through the surface, further north, occasionally outside of the very smooth main tracks there is loose gravel in the center and shoulders that might cause an issue for a thin tire/no tread bike. Also encountered a half dozen 50 ft sections with large, baseball sized walnuts scattered on the path. Although the trail borders Midwin Prairie, did not see any bison, only cattle at the northern end. Trail is arrow straight for miles, and often bordered by bushes that limit view beyond, but on the plus side has only one hard stop road crossing, U.S. Highway 6, so you can really keep rolling. Final observation is that there is generally a slight downhill grade from north to south. Good trail for a sustained effort ride, if somewhat boring at times.
Love walking this trail. Quiet and safe mostly.
My 3 star review is because there needs to be signage when bikes pass, a shout out should be told to the walkers. Frequently I'll be walking and the bikes are so quiet it startles my dog or the bikes just squeeze by. It should be mandatory shout out “on your left!” when passing. Secondly, electric bikes are using the trail more often. Going 25-30 mph is not ok!
Same thing where most do not shout out when passing. Needs to be a rule regarding electric bikes.
We rode the GAP from Cedar Creek Park to the Boston trailhead at the base of the Historic Boston Bridge and back. About 36 miles round trip. What a great ride. Smooth trail with lots of benches and several picnic areas and toilet facilities. Well maintained. Passed through several little communities along the trail. No major highways and very few little roads to cross making it very safe. Got a delicious huge “medium” size ice cream cone at the “Big Twist” in Blythedale, right off the trail. Highly recommend this ride!
It is July 2026, and the 294 closure on the trail is not open to use. Please update in the review section.
I have been riding this trail for three years now. (2024 - 2026) No more. The gravel has, in many places, turned dusty, deep and slippery. You might enjoy the gravel on a gravel bike. I ride a skinny tire road bike. OK for the first two years. Not OK this year.
Rode the Blackwell Forest Preserve section on July 25, 2026. Despite hot temperatures, the shaded stretches kept us cool. The condition of the crushed limestone surface was smooth but dusty. The only glitch was that several times we rode around a bend only to be run off the trail by groups riding two or three abreast. First time that’s happened In 2000 miles of biking. Wouldn’t keep us from going again…outstanding trail.
Hennepin segment in this review: Sterling to Tampico
Bike: Specialized Sirus hybrid
Type of biker: casual, but I bike daily and can handle 25-35 mile rides
Weather: sunny, warm, upper 70's and dry.
Trail conditions: dry
Bike recommendation: no street bikes. Perfect for hybrid and mountain.
Other recommendations: sun protection, excess water, small protein bar or similar, phone, sunglasses, small towelette for sweat.
I started this trail at its entrance on the Sterling side of the Rock River.
Crossing the Rock was a nice starter. On the western dam side, a group of pelicans and their babies swam in the water. Can't say I've ever seen pelicans in Illinois before.
Once you reach the Rock Falls side the trail adjoins the Hennepin canal for the rest of the ride. In warm weather you're likely to see a lot of people fishing all the way down to the I88 underpass.
Heading south of I88 you aren't likely to see anyone. The trail is in decent shape being earthen based and I didn't see much more than small twigs on my ride south. There's easily a good 7-8 miles where you don't see much of anything manmade with the exception of crossing a road.
If you're a bird lover, this area will highly appeal. During my 25-mile journey I must have seen at least 50-75 orioles, a variety of blue colored birds, cardinals, several colors of finch, and a bird that has white tipped feathers that I've never seen before. I'm not a birder but they are beautiful to watch. The canal itself is clean with occasional turtles perched on logs.
There was only one spot on my segment with bathrooms, and that was closer to Tampico. The rest of the trail is devoid of bathrooms, benches and other amenities.
Some additional observations regarding this part of the trail:
Google maps indicate that a sunflower field is near the intersection of the trail and Star Road. There isn't. The area is entirely corn fields.
For rides longer than 5-10 miles, make sure to bring your own hydration and food. I bike daily and can handle long rides. But back here it gets rather warm. Water consumption for me was a little bit greater, and I even found a need to eat a protein bar to steady my energy level.
Importantly; a 25-mile ride back here will feel like well over 35. While the trail is in good shape, you do make a lot of dodges to avoid branches, twigs, holes, hanging bushes and other deterrents. The earthen path also slows your speed.
I didn't quite make it to downtown Tampico as I had original set out to do. My halfway point became Fargo Rd, at which point, I could see the little city of Tampico from a distance.
This leg of the trail completed my third on the Hennepin Canal Trail. It's a very peaceful trail with a lot of upside.
Cheers.
This bike trail is a straight shot from Lansing to calumet city Illinois.
Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.
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