Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Waukegan, 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.
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It appeared that a load of crushed stone was recently added to the trail. A grader was used to level and spread out the stone, but ruts were left by the truck tires and the grader making the ride a little too bumpy unless you hugged the side of the trail where the grader did not reach. I enjoyed the route which meandered through cornfields, woods and prairie. The ride was peaceful, but there was no shade and I had to swat a few mosquitos when I stopped. There was an 8-car asphalt parking lot with porta potty near the north end of the trail that was not listed in TrailLink.
The 12-foot-wide asphalt surface had some tree root-raised areas, but manageable. The middle section of the route was a nicely paved road dedicated to wastewater treatment plant traffic. The southwestern section of the trail was nestled nicely behind backyards. The sides of the trail were mowed and the trail corridor itself was not only spacious, but nicely captured beneath a canopy of trees. The trail was a little out of the way, but I highly recommend it if you happen to be in the area.
Scenic, very pleasant ride today. Farmland, lots of bridges, packed gravel so no surprises. Parked at the Elkhorn trailhead and biked to Burlington and back. Note: the DNR site says there's a bridge out, as of 9/27/26 - there are no bridges out. Really nice ride and great way to spend a 70 degree and sunny day in late September.
We rode the Fox River Trail over two days in September 2026. We did a short ride from St Charles to South Elgin and back one the first day, followed by a ride to Aurora and then on to part of the Illinois Prairie Path before returning to St Charles. The trail was in excellent shape and, for the most part, was well marked. We thought the scenery was better going south, with lots of water fowl, flowers and points of interest to enjoy. This trail lived up to its expectations.
I just rode from my Chicago home to Racine on the North Shore Channel, Green Bay, R McClory and Kenosha County trails. The McClory is newly paved and well signed from the Great Lakes Naval Station north to the state line. There are no facilities other than the occasional bench, and there are long stretches without any shade. Otherwise it is a terrific ride!
The trail starts unassumingly in a residential neighborhood to the north and winds its way through Carthage College before bursting out of a canopy of trees into a spectacular, unobstructive view of Lake Michigan. The trail hugs the coast and meanders through a series of gorgeous parks. Just when your senses have almost reached their limit, you find yourself riding along Harbor Park filled with an assortment of sculptures, museums, and marinas. The Park is electric!
This was the most enjoyable ride I have ever taken. I will be back!
There are two cautionary notes, however.
1. The city roads between Poerio Park West and upper Alford Park are in horrible condition. Maybe avoid this northern section altogether.
2. The trail that goes south from the 50th Street bridge as you enter the Harbor is actually a staircase. I missed it the first time, but realized it on my return. There is a very steep embankment with a thin bike path next to the stairs, if you want to risk it.
The 10-foot wide asphalt surface is still in good shape. The trail hugs the road at the north end, but eventually disappears behind suburban backyards under a wonderful canopy of trees. There are a few pesky road crossings, but not bad. The trail is short, but flat and easy to ride. This is a great connector to the Kenosha County Bike Trail or the Kenosha Pike Bike Trail.
I almost forgot to include this in my previous review:
If you do not like hills, DO NOT do either section of this trail.
Both the North and South sections used asphalt and crushed stone surfaces. Care must be taken when riding on the crushed stone. The trail is nearly 12 foot wide and it is neatly groomed, however, the stone is just loose enough to keep bicycle speeds down. The rider who tests their speed traveling downhill and around the blind curves will surely tumble. The age of the asphalt in both sections varies from "newer" to "desperately in need of repair." The southern section actually has a warning sign just south of Fairfield Park.
The last two miles of the northern section in Round Lake Beach is loaded with perpendicular cracks in the asphalt causing a jarring ride even at slow speeds.
One must be cautious at the street crossings although some of the busier roads have traffic lights with designated pedestrian cross walks. The signage was ok, but could have been better.
Except for the 2 miles of crushed stone from Sheridan Road in Highland Park to County Line Road in Ravinia, the entire trail surface it asphalt!
The first 11 miles of the trail from the Wisconsin border is newer asphalt; no cracks or bumps to worry about. Just a smooth ride. The northern section of the bike path, however, is plagued with several street crossings, all of which must be approached with caution. There is little to no shade on the northern section.
The southern section of the bike path has a lot more points of interest including various sculptures along the trail, Metra train stations, the Ravinia Festival grounds and interesting cities to explore. The southern section offers much more shade, but also has a few street crossings as well.
The trail does give way to the road in both sections, but the signage is good for the most part. There are new mile markers on the west side of the trail every 1/2 mile.
The surface of this 8-foot wide trail seems to be crushed stone over an older asphalt base. It is a little tougher to ride than the typical crushed gravel surface. There are some "soft" spots throughout the length of the route, but still manageable. The trail is relatively flat with an occasional grade change. The scenery is mostly suburban backyard with a touch of industrial to the west. There is very little shade to protect you from the sun, but the openness is refreshing. Although most street crossings have minimal traffic, please take caution when approaching them. This is one of my "go to" rides.
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