Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Valparaiso, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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 is my home area trail. It's going to need some work soon but is great over all.
The Panhandle Pathway is a beautiful and expanding trail--with the most recent addition being northward through Winamac. The Friends of the Panhandle Pathway are collaborating with the Prairie Trails Club, supporters of the Erie Trail (including the Great American Rail Trail and American Discovery Trail), on defining a backroads share-the-road asphalt connector between the two non-motorized and walker routes.
I understand what this was meant to be. But it’s so overgrown that you end up walking in the street. That’s an issue for me because I wanted to have a trail the kids could walk.
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.
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.
It's a decent trail for locals but with unending noise for traffic and with nothing to see, I might consider skipping unless you're local.
Rode just about 8 miles on the Palos Hills end. Beautiful paved trail, beautiful weather on 8/24/25. Definitely would ride again.
Trail is beautiful but sooooo many people. Pedestrians dont care about the bike lanes, they walk in front of you
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