Illinois Fishing Trails and Maps

2238 Reviews

Looking for the best Fishing trails around Illinois?

Find the top rated fishing trails in Illinois, 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.

City Trails and Maps in Illinois

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Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type
43 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Baumann Park Recreation Path

1.25 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Busse Woods Trail

11.6 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Concrete

Cal-Sag Trail

16.2 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Conservation District Trail

2.3 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Constitution Trail & Historic Route 66 Trail

50.5 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Concrete

Danada and Herrick Lake Regional Trail

5.8 mi
State: IL
Crushed Stone

DuPage River Trail

33.1 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Fox River Trail (IL)

45.7 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail

3.9 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Concrete

Grant Woods Bike Path

5.9 mi
State: IL
Crushed Stone

Great American Rail-Trail

3743.9 mi
State: DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

Jane Addams Trail

18.9 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Kankakee River Trail

10.6 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Kishwaukee River Recreation Path

2.5 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Kishwaukee Riverfront Path

6.9 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Lake Arlington Walking Path

2 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Lincoln Park Trail

0.9 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Mahomet Village Bike Trail

4 mi
State: IL
Concrete

Millennium Trail (IL)

30.7 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

Moraine Hills State Park Trail

11.4 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Accordion

Ottawa Riverwalk

0.9 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Palatine Trail

9.6 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Concrete

Prairie Trail (IL)

26.4 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel

Puri Path

4 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Rend Lake Bike Trail

20.6 mi
State: IL
Concrete, Crushed Stone

Rock River Recreation Path

10 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Village of Rantoul Trail

7.9 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Waterfall Glen

9.5 mi
State: IL
Crushed Stone, Grass

Carlyle Lake Bike Trail

10.3 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Concrete

General Dacey Trail

6 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Great River Trail

63.3 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Hennepin Canal State Trail

93 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Grass, Gravel

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail

79.5 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Grass, Gravel

Lincoln Prairie Trail

14.6 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Richland Creek Greenway Trail

3.8 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Rock Run Greenway Trail

12.3 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail

20.5 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Dorr Road Bike Path

2.7 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

El Paso Walking Trail

2.8 mi
State: IL
Crushed Stone

Eagle Points Trail

7.2 mi
State: IL
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Oregon Park East Bike Path

0.25 mi
State: IL
Asphalt
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
Baumann Park is adjacent to the Kishwaukee River in Cherry Valley, a community on the outskirts of Rockford in northern Illinois. A paved pathway runs through the park and loops around Baumann Park...
IL 1.25 mi Asphalt
The Busse Woods Trail spans the Ned Brown Forest Preserve, a 3,700-acre natural space in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago. The preserve—popularly just called Busse Woods—has a large meandrous lake...
IL 11.6 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Cal-Sag Trail (also known as the Calumet-Sag Trail) runs for 16.2 miles and connects several communities and additional trails, as well as providing access to scenic forest preserves and secluded...
IL 16.2 mi Asphalt
North of the Sangamon River crossing, the Conservation District Trail closely follows Stevens Creek through a flat and dense wetlands forest on the west end of Decatur. South of the river, the trail...
IL 2.3 mi Asphalt
The sprawling Constitution Trail and Historic Rte. 66 Trail covers over 53 miles throughout the Bloomington-Normal area. The trail was officially named and dedicated in 1987 in celebration of the...
IL 50.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
This regional trail connects two of DuPage County's forest preserves—Herrick Lake and Danada—on a crushed stone pathway nearly 6 miles long. Together, the preserves cover more than 1,600 acres of...
IL 5.8 mi Crushed Stone
The DuPage River Trail spans over 30 miles across two counties: DuPage and Will. It's currently open in several disconnected segments mainly in parks and forest preserves beginning in Warrenville and...
IL 33.1 mi Asphalt
The Fox River Trail (FRT) was built on stretches of three former railroads: Chicago, Aurora & Elgin; Aurora, Elgin, & Fox River Electric; and Chicago & North Western. Today, it hosts a multitude of...
IL 45.7 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone
The George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail has a name from the history books, and it runs entirely through Fort Massac State Park—Illinois’ first State Park, now over 100 years old—with its recreated...
IL 3.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete
About an hour northwest of Chicago, the beautiful Grant Woods Forest Preserve spans more than 1,000 acres, offering an outdoor respite of prairie, woodlands and marshes. The crushed limestone pathway...
IL 5.9 mi Crushed Stone
Note: This developing route is not yet fully contiguous – it is just over 50% complete. Please refer to the Trail Map for more information on the existing sections of trail, as well as the online...
DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY 3743.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone
The Jane Addams Trail runs for 18.9 miles between Orangeville and Freeport, following a rail line that the Illinois Central built in 1887 between Freeport, Illinois, and Madison, Wisconsin. The route,...
IL 18.9 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Kankakee River Trail is fairly wooded and runs primarily through Kankakee River State Park. Walkers, bicyclists, and cross-country skiers can enjoy more than ten miles of trail along the north...
IL 10.6 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Kishwaukee River Recreation Path runs for 2.5 miles in Cherry Valley on the outskirts of Rockford in northern Illinois. The well-maintained, asphalt trail connects the Kishwaukee River Forest...
IL 2.5 mi Asphalt
The Kishwaukee Riverfront Path winds nearly 7 miles through downtown Belvidere, east of Rockford in northern Illinois. As its name implies, the paved scenic trail follows the waterway for most of its...
IL 6.9 mi Asphalt
Lake Arlington is an artificial lake and popular recreation area in Arlington Heights in Cook County. The park features amenities to interest visitors of all ages and it is a local favorite for family...
IL 2 mi Asphalt
The Lincoln Park Trail runs along the wooded north banks of the Sangamon River. It's mostly flat with a few low hills. Visible from the trail are Decatur's Lincoln Park, some classic old neighborhoods...
IL 0.9 mi Asphalt
The Mahomet Village Bike Trail is a safe, paved route that connects all the major parts of the village. On the north, there are the various and popular facilities of the Lake of the Woods Forest...
IL 4 mi Concrete
The Millennium Trail spans just over 30 miles in two disconnected segments. The trail goes through forest, farmland, and the suburban neighborhoods of Lake County with a range of surfaces, including...
IL 30.7 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone
Moraine Hills State Park Trail offers a wonderful experience for any geology or nature aficionado. A moraine is an accumulation of earth and stones carried and finally deposited by a glacier....
IL 11.4 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Accordion
The Ottawa Riverwalk runs directly beside the beautiful Fox River, just north of its confluence with the larger Illinois River. It's a tranquil walkway with river views along its entire length. To...
IL 0.9 mi Asphalt
The village of Palatine has connected many of its community assets with two long sections of off-road, multi-use trail. The more popular northern section is the one most references call simply and...
IL 9.6 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Prairie Trail runs the length of McHenry County and is managed by the McHenry County Conservation District. The rail trail spans just over 26 miles from the Wisconsin border and the farms and...
IL 26.4 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
The Puri Path is a paved route in Rock Cut State Park, a beautiful outdoor destination of more than 3,000 acres for the city of Rockford. The path runs through the heavily wooded northeast corner of...
IL 4 mi Asphalt
The Rend Lake Bike Trail, in the heart of southern Illinois, goes around nearly half of the second-largest man-made lake in the state. Along the way, trail-goers will enjoy picturesque views of the...
IL 20.6 mi Concrete, Crushed Stone
The paved Rock River Recreation Trail winds throughout downtown Rockford and environs, following the east bank of the Rock River through Shorewood Park and Martin Memorial Park. Officially, the trail...
IL 10 mi Asphalt
This is a story of four trails in one. The newest and northwestern section of the trail runs by the old downtown area of the village and its local Amtrak station. Then across the northern section...
IL 7.9 mi Asphalt
The trail system in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve makes a loop around the entire park and totals 9.5 miles. About the Route The Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is geologically significant,...
IL 9.5 mi Crushed Stone, Grass
The Carlyle Lake Bike Trail is located in one of Southwest Illinois's most popular recreational areas, just 50 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri—not far from that area's abundance of great trails, as...
IL 10.3 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The General Dacey Trail, which first opened in 2006, is a beautiful and richly varied trail located between the city of Shelbyville to the west and large Lake Shelbyville to the east. Its surface is...
IL 6 mi Asphalt
The Great River Trail is a breathtaking journey along more than 60 miles of the Mississippi River in northern Illinois. In places, the paved trail follows the former spur route of the Chicago, St....
IL 63.3 mi Asphalt
The Hennepin Canal State Trail stretches for 93 miles in northwest Illinois along an old canal towpath. The trail is administered as a State Park by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and...
IL 93 mi Asphalt, Grass, Gravel
The Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail follows the eponymous waterway alongside the Illinois River. It traverses the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor, designated in 1984, and the first...
IL 79.5 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Grass, Gravel
While you’re in the land of Lincoln, visit the Lincoln Prairie Trail to make the trip complete. Starting at the trailhead in northwest Pana, leisurely stroll along a paved trail that is nicely...
IL 14.6 mi Asphalt
This trail along Richland Creek is in two discontiguous sections that must be accessed separately. The northern section goes by the thick and quiet woods of Centennial Park, where there are also very...
IL 3.8 mi Asphalt
The 4.4-mile River Bend Trail is so named for the loop of Fox River along which it follows on its eastern end. It's here that you can connect to the scenic Fox River Trail to travel 43 miles along the...
IL 4.4 mi Asphalt
The popular Rock Run Greenway Trail is a balanced mix of natural areas and cityscapes that alternate over the length of the trail. The natural areas are frequented by recreational users. The...
IL 12.3 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone
Paralleling the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers along the border between Illinois and Mississippi, the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail (also known as the Sam Vadalabene Great River Road Bike Trail) runs...
IL 20.5 mi Asphalt
The Dorr Road Bike Path begins at South Beloit Municipal Park and parallels the roadway for its entire length. The views are primarily residential. After about three-quarters of a mile (from the...
IL 2.7 mi Asphalt
The El Paso Walking Trail runs along part of an old railroad right-of-way through the town of El Paso, beginning at the city park on the south side of town and ending at a creek north of town among...
IL 2.8 mi Crushed Stone
Caution: While construction continues on the new I-270 bridge over the Mississippi River, be alert for trail restrictions or closings north of the parking lot access. The trail will remain open from...
IL 7.2 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Oregon Park East Bike Path is nestled along the east bank of the Rock River in the small town of Oregon in northern Illinois. The 23-acre park offers athletic facilities, restrooms, grills, and picnic...
IL 0.25 mi Asphalt
The Sterling Multi-Activity Recreational Trail starts at one end at the edge of the Hoover Park parking lot and heads into a scenic wooded trail crossing a wooden bridge over Woodlawn Creek and...
IL 2 mi Asphalt

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Recent Trail Reviews

Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail

TRAIL EXTENDED

September, 2025 by 56sugarcreek

The Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail pavement has been extended 6 blocks further west to the YMCA parking lot and a beautiful new park on 16th Street.

John Husar I&M Canal Trail

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.

September, 2025 by markcavalieri

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.

Great Western Trail (DeKalb, Kane)

Long, straight run

September, 2025 by hilltoppper

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.

Accordion

Prospect Heights Bike Path

Needs a complete overhaul.

September, 2025 by tdvst3

Needs a complete overhaul.

Prospect Heights Bike Path

This path is in poor condition and needs to be redone. It is asphalt but time is not on its side. Wish I did not waste my time on this path.

September, 2025 by ricking62

This path is in poor condition and needs to be redone. It is asphalt but time is not on its side. Wish I did not waste my time on this path.

Wauponsee Glacial Trail

Something different if you live in the Chicago area.

August, 2025 by csw620

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.

Ridgefield Trace

Algonquin to Woodstock - downtown

August, 2025 by kkoniche_tl

Our annual women’s biking trip did this ride on our 3rd day, a total of 36 miles round trip. Woodstock needs to have a marked bike route from the end of Ridgefield Trace into downtown Woodstock as there is a lot of traffic where the trail ends. Some spots on the trail have a lot of bumpy cracks, but overall was OK for what we needed to get from Crystal Lake to Woodstock. Downtown Woodstock is very cute with lots of shops & restaurants with a cute park/square & where Groundhog Day was filmed.

Cal-Sag Trail

great trail

August, 2025 by annecjb

Rode just about 8 miles on the Palos Hills end. Beautiful paved trail, beautiful weather on 8/24/25. Definitely would ride again.

Jane Addams Trail

Another Nice Ride

August, 2025 by bazjkm2

(8/13/2025) - Beautiful day for a ride on the Jane Addams. Trail was in very good condition and it was a smooth ride all the way from Tutty's Crossing in Freeport to the Wisconsin state line (Badger State Trail in WI). Everything was green and lush and the country side scenery was beautiful. The Addams people do a very fine job of maintaining their trail. One of my favorites to ride every year! Highly recommended. Of course, don't forget to stop at Union Dairy afterwards for some delicious ice cream. It's the best.

Great River Trail

Needs better markers

August, 2025 by carolehansen58

Just finished riding this trail over four days. They were in the middle of repaving a section which I thought was great but right along route 84 very scary and hazardous.. you either had to walk your bike through the grass, or take your chances on the highway. The trail is poorly marked when you have to take secondary roads to reconnect with the trail, especially when you’re heading towards Moline.. good places to stay very close to the trail and there is no problem finding any place to eat. I’ve ridden it once that will probably be my only time I will ride this trail..

Deer Grove Trail

Good skating trail

August, 2025 by beccasertic

The Red Paved Loop is great for inline skaters. The path is fairly clear of sticks and rocks. There are a couple of nice declines to build up a little speed, and the inclines aren't too steep. The trail is accessible right from the parking lot

Chicago Lakefront Trail

may people

August, 2025 by pixiericci

Trail is beautiful but sooooo many people. Pedestrians dont care about the bike lanes, they walk in front of you

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