Find the top rated fishing trails in Ottawa, whether you're looking for an easy short fishing trail or a long fishing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a fishing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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This is a short path off the north end of the Kishwaukee-Kiwanis Trail. It was freshly repaved for a smooth ride with nice greenery on each side and a bridge over the river near the northwest end. The path is handicapped accessible and there was no traffic on the neighborhood cross streets. I didn't linger, but based on the number of squirrels crossing the path, I could imagine seeing a fair amount of wildlife at the right time of day.
I rode out-and-back on this trail and the connecting DeKalb Nature Trail on a warm Sunday afternoon. The good news is that there is no on-road component to this trail. It is all paved and passes under a few roads and a railroad as it follows the S. Branch Kishwaukee River. I started at the south end at Lions Park and immediately had to cross Taylor Street. There is basically no signage along the trail. Fortunately someone had painted some arrows on the pavement, apparently for a 5K race. The crossing at Lucinda was a little odd where you have to cut slightly west to cross at a driveway. There's a nice ramp to get you under, then over, the N. 1st Street bridge, then there's an at grade crossing at Hillcrest. All-in-all, it's not bad getting across those roads.
The trail smoothness varies. It's a little bumpy in areas, but not too bad. The least pleasant ride is adjacent to Sycamore Road near the north end of the trail. Through the wooded sections, there were areas of crunchy Osage orange and walnut(?) shells to traverse, but it's fall so that's probably to be expected. The scenery is suburban with a good dose of parkland. The trail seems to have more use by walkers than by riders. The round trip was 11.5 miles.
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.
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.
Reportedly, a guy got arrested and thrown in jail in July 2025 for riding an e-bike on the Joliet Junction trail. Like, what do these people have against e-bikes? Especially when they are riding responsibly and using common sense, not colliding with anything or anyone else. Totally can not recommend at all. And the cops will stop you, too. They don't care if you're doing 5 mph, if your bike even looks like an e-bike, they'll still stop you.
I ride on the Prarie Path almost all the time and I love it! Goes by many downtown areas and the places you ride by are pretty nice. I would recommend!
Despite the hot July day we had a terrific ride on this beautiful trail along the river. Rode the entire trail from the east end parking lot. Loved that most of trail was paved - despite some “heaving” due to tree roots and unexpected “dips”. Several bridges to cross and a special “lookout” over the river. The majority of trail is in the shade due to the many trees and beautiful canopy. Rode by an amazing oak savanna- making this a great trail. Can highly recommend this bike trail!!
This trail was miserable to ride with a hybrid touring bike. It would be completely unusable on a road bike despite what the trail description may say. The gravel is so bumpy and the trail has been barely maintained. Not much of a surprise in hindsight given the fact that I saw zero other cyclists throughout an entire day riding on this trail. I would only ride this trail again with a fat tire. What is nice though is the trail is very remote and quiet.
I’ve been walking and cycling this trail for most of my life and it’s always a wonderful experience, such beautiful scenery along the river. It’s by far my favorite trail in the Chicagoland area.
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