Illinois Fishing Trails and Maps

2216 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
Overview    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...
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 currently spans just over 30 miles in two disconnected segments, but there are plans to extend it to 35 miles and connect it to the Des Plaines River Trail. The trail goes through...
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

Fox River Trail (IL)

lovely trail

July, 2025 by td9rph2gsw

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.

I-74 Bridge Bike and Pedestrian Path

74 new bridge

July, 2025 by 9jnrq4tyfb

This is a great view and look out. It now connects the Ia trail and Illinois trails it’s a good ride!

Busse Woods Trail

Good and not so good

June, 2025 by ricter87

Rode the Busse Forest trail on a busy, sunny Saturday morning in late June 2025. The surroundings are terrific but the asphalt has many cracks that made the ride a bit bumpy. Still it is a great ride and I encourage everyone to try it. There are elks there although I didn’t see any.

Accordion

Illinois Prairie Path

Great ride

June, 2025 by ricter87

Rode part of the Prairie Part starting in Warrenville a couple of days after substantial rain in June 2025. The trail had some very minor puddles but was in great shape. When in Warrenville don’t miss the great bike shop where I got some excellent advice about which way to go on the trail. Highly recommend this route. Thanks to the bike shop guys!

Northerly Island Trail

it’s cool,

June, 2025 by mrjocasio

It’s not the ideal path, but to see the city from a different perspective, it’s cool. Little confusing to maneuver, but it’s cool. Nice beach on one side. I like it. I recommend it, but can be confusing.

Des Plaines River Trail

very confusing

June, 2025 by mrjocasio

I did this trail on bike 2 years ago and I hated it, signage is terrible, at one point after Golf road, you literally come to an end and have to carry your bike over train tracks and active train tracks. No signs of any sort. You go through a campground that confuses you even more. I won’t do it again. To ridiculous.

North Shore Channel Trail

not the best

June, 2025 by mrjocasio

Like other reviews, I agree too many red lights that take forever to change, the smell of the garbage plant near by stinks, it’s an ok trail to walk but bike ride, no. You’ll be done in 20 minutes. From Devon to Greenbay road. I give it 2 stars for riding 4 for walking.

Chicago Lakefront Trail

my favorite place in the world

June, 2025 by mrjocasio

I do this trail at least 3 times a week, it’s a beautiful trail. You can get lost if you don’t know it. Stick to the trail close to drive. I know it all too well so I don’t get lost. But the scenery coming around the corner of Fullerton is just spectacular, the view north from the museum campus is amazing. I love this trail and it’s my comfort zone.

MCT Nickel Plate Trail

Bumpy ride but beautiful

June, 2025 by trailrunner62_tl

I would have given this 4 stars if the trail was resurfaced and smooth.

Deer Grove Trail

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.

June, 2025 by rbr135

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.

Long Prairie Trail

New info for long prairie path

June, 2025 by valentinehemmer

Section between poplar grove and route 76 is getting worse by the day, the chipmunks are taking over and the sharp granite railroad balast is cutting into our tires. No money in illinois budget to repair bicycle trails, the only people enjoying the trail are on those motorized fat tire bikes.

Centennial Trail (IL)

First time on this trail

June, 2025 by diane connelly

I rode on this trail for the first time yesterday. It is well maintained, pretty shady, and has well placed maps. I will definately go again. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because there aren't any water sources at either end or along the trail. There are toilets (vault and a porta potty) at the ends, so that's a plus. At the Willow Springs end, about 2 blocks from the trail end, there's a Speedway gas station with snacks and beverages. You can see it from the trail. So if you go, make sure to bring plenty of water!

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