Find the top rated atv trails in Skokie, whether you're looking for an easy short atv trail or a long atv trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a atv trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Trail is closed at Rt. 30 heading North from Erie Lackwana trailhead.
I started on the West yellow loop. Two routes, either pavement which is terrible or lose gravel which is dangerous. The East side of Quentin is beautiful. New pavement and a nice meadow environment. Short though.
I was traveling through to Ohio and wanted to ride this trail. Due to traffic on a Saturday with a concert at Soldier Field, I arrived a couple later than I had hoped. So I had to push the speed to do the whole trail. I got done as it was getting dark. I would encourage others to allow more time to enjoy it. Not knowing this in advance, I parked near trail construction and where the following day's event parking was being set up, so it was congested. I found the main trail (lots of sidewalks/paths going everywhere) and headed north. A few miles north and I was at the end. Going south, I got goofed up by the detour signs and other trails. A "north" or "south" sign on the detour signs might have helped. Maybe just me. I finally got on the trail and went north. The write-up says it is 19 miles long and ends at South Shore Cultural Center; however, the mile post ends at 18 (with a zero on the other side of the post) was at 71st street. That was where the red line on TrailLink also ended. Both close to each other, but I wasn't sure why the difference in mileage. I didn't have time to explore more. I turned around there.
Even though I don't like city driving and it all looked hectic to me (thankful for GPS voice commands), I wouldn't mind doing it again in the summer when more venues would be open and take all day to ride it by going a slower pace and seeing the sights. And maybe with someone else who will do the driving!
This is such a cool trail corridor, but it's a bit of an adventure to ride it. The scenery is great--there's some neat canal lock remains, the trail has lots of shade, and there aren't a lot of road crossings. It's also nice that the trail passes through several towns, so there are good opportunities for meals or snacks. The trail itself is just okay. It is mostly dirt, with a little gravel, and is rather over-grown for large sections. Many sections are basically single track--keep your wheels on the narrow dirt trail and it's smooth, but it's grass and weeds close on either side. Probably not a good ride for narrow tires or trikes. We went a few miles past Ottawa to ride into Buffalo Rock State Park, the trail west of Ottawa was a bit better. Overall it was a good ride and I'd do it again, but go in knowing that it isn't a smooth wide trail.
note: the trail shown in red is the regional trail. it overlaps with the Waterfall Glen Main Trail except for a couple of areas. Be sure to read the Trail Markers
Started in McHenry and went south. Did 33 miles round trip. McHenry to Crystal Lake lots of ruts and bumpy. Just north of Crystal Lake becomes a new, very smooth trail, but is extremely hilly with lots of turns. After going through a small section of downtown Crystal Lake becomes not as hilly to Algonquin.
Can confirm that many lazy and inconsiderate dog owners leave their dog's poops right on the trail, so keep an eye out for landmnes. Also beware that many people do not have their dogs on leashes, so have protection on you and stay vigilant. Beautiful farmland scenery starting from the Vandenboom trailhead heading west. Very flat, and occasional holes in trail possibly from critters. Nice that each road you reach from the trailhead is just about 1 mile so it's easy to gauge the distance you've walked.
Late April Sunday in clear weather. Started at southern end as marked on Traillink map. There is no dedicated parking but on-street parking in surrounding residential neighborhood was without issues. Rode north to McHenry, 16 miles. Surface is newly or recently repaved and excellent, until you reach Pleasant Hill Road, then only fair, with expansion cracks every 50 60 feet, bumpy ride into McHenry but very doable. Generally pleasant, only partially shaded ride, but not the most picturesque.
2 issues around Crystal Lake, first, signage for on-road traverse of the town is inadequate in both directions. Going north, 2 blocks after crossing the railroad tracks, you have to jog East from Main Street 3 blocks to Glen Ave., then cross IL 176 onto Lorraine Dr. to reach the continuation of the trail into Sterne's Woods. Visa versa coming south. Second, be aware there are several short but steep climbs and descents going through Sterne's Woods. Seamless continuation onto Fox River trail at southern end.
Parked at the West end in the WalMart parking lot. Entire trail is paved and is mostly flat with some gentle inclines. The first 4.5 miles is along Northwest Hwy (rte 14). This entire section is full of litter either in the grass between the road and path or along the farm fields. SO much garbage. The path turns towards Veteran's park in Crystal Lake just past MCC. The last 2.5 miles is along the high voltage lines that you can hear buzzing. Great path if you are commuting to and from MCC but not a pleasant path for an afternoon ride.
They started paving last fall. From County line rd heading West there is about 2-3 miles paved to Lake Shore County rd.
Straight flat the mile markers are off by 1.5 miles. The pavement is not smooth enough to skate on with ease. But for biking its fine. 80% friendly people to people of color.
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