Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Illinois, 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.
Rode from Colona to Bureau early October. The trail was dry and in good enough condition to average 9-10mph. There was lots of animal and bird life. I was surprised at how few people I saw. It was very peaceful. The only trail hazard of note were walnuts in the path. I did notice that there could be issues if it is wet. Drainage and mud could be a problem. I do ride a Surly Ogre with 29x2.35 tires and 45 lbs of gear on it. Navigation was not a problem.
Rode from Colona to Bureau early October. The trail was dry and in good enough condition to average 9-10mph. There was lots of animal and bird life. I was surprised at how few people I saw. It was very peaceful. The only trail hazard of note were walnuts in the path. I did notice that there could be issues if it is wet. Drainage and mud could be a problem. I do ride a Surly Ogre with 29x2.35 tires and 45 lbs of gear on it. Navigation was not a problem.
This is a very nice, scenic - absolutely beautiful trail and you can either start out or end up at Eckerts!
I rode the trail in late Sept 2024 on a cloudy breezy day. I started at Bass Pro in East Peoria and rode to Morton then back. I didn’t really notice the uphill going out but I did on my return. The trail is in great shape except for a couple miles or so in Morton with some cracks across the trail. I rate it five stars, I enjoyed it a lot. Traveling cyclist Facebook
Good News! This Path Is Finally Going To Get Paved Soon, Between 2025 And 2026. I Can't Wait To See How This Path Turns Out, And I'm Ready For This Trail To Be Like The Kenosha County Bike Trail. I'm Glad They Are Doing This, Because I've Caught Several People Speeding On This Trail With Dirt Bikes, And I Think It's Annoying And Dangerous. The Signs Say No Equestrian, And Motorized Vehicles On The Trail, And People Don't Listen. Till This Day, People Still Ride These Motorized Vehicles On This Trail, Including The Waukegan Savanna Trail, Which Is Connected Right By The Trail Intersection In Beach Park, Right Next To The Lyons Woods Forest Preserve. Today, I Saw This One Person Speeding With A Dirt Bike On The Waukegan Savanna Trail, And I Was About To Film Him And Report Him To The Police. If I Catch More People Doing It, I Will Start Recording, And Reporting It To The Police, Because That Should Be Illegal. Overall, I Ride This Trail Often To Visit The Waukegan Airport, To Do A 10 Mile Round Trip Ride, Just Looking Forward To Seeing This Trail Paved, Hopefully In Spring 2025. Be Safe Guys!
My wife & I rode two days from LaSalle toward Ottawa and from Ottawa to Marseilles on our recumbent etrikes. Had to turn around the first day before getting to Ottawa, as the trail became two narrow paths through the grass that were impassable for the trikes. The second day we had to lift our trikes over a fallen tree. There were no trail workers to be seen anywhere. That part of the trail rarely followed the canal, but instead wound through the woods on a cow path like trail. The 20 miles or so between LaSalle and Marseilles are not suitable for road bikes or recumbent trikes, but instead are only desirable for cross bikes or fat tire bikes preferably with electric assist.
Such a beautiful path, partially in shade- partially open. There are multiple restrooms along the way, benches, picnic tables as well as a playground about halfway thru the trail! The paved path was mostly smooth and very easy to navigate. There is a few dips and hills but nothing challenging. Highly recommend!
The water fountain noted on the map at Hillside Rd no longer exists. Looks like it was taken out.
the south end of the trail along Houbolt Rd. from I-80 up to the junior college is under construction but still accessible as of September 2024.
otherwise as noted in earlier reviews, it is a nice trail.
We just rode this trail yesterday. Started at the south section of the Kenosha County trail. The limestone is well maintained and we didn’t see any trash or broken glass as others stated. It’s a great path but we didn’t like the numerous crossings. Folks don’t stop even when you push the yield light button. The north part of the trail goes thru sketching areas but we felt safe. Best part was when you get to the Great Lakes Naval station as the path is paved n beautiful. I doubt we’ll redo this one but do recomend for others who don’t mind the crossings.
The Galena River Trail is well packed crushed stone suited for road bike tires. It meanders through the woods along the river and to the Mississippi River. There is a section that shares the road with death machines that are supposed to yield. This section has larger looser rock. Overall I rate this trail 5 stars and I recommend checking it out. Traveling cyclist Facebook
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