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Print Friendly MapThe Burnham Greenway is composed of two distinct portions that both run along a former railroad corridor between Chicago and Lansing, Illinois. There are plans to extend and connect these short sections, which will create 11 miles of trail through some of this urban environment's best natural areas. Until that point, however, it is best to treat these as two separate trips.
The Burnham Greenway’s northern segment stretches 3.15 miles north from Wolf Lake to 100th Street. The lake, which straddles the state line between Illinois and Indiana, has a parking area and playgrounds, as well as access to swimming, fishing and biking. Wolf Lake and other neighboring lakes are believed to be among the most biologically diverse places in the Midwest. Wolf Lake is home to the endangered lake sturgeon and the threatened banded killifish; and its wetlands are inhabited by three species of endangered heron, plus the rare yellow-headed blackbird. So impressive is this area, more than 150 experts in botany, zoology and related ecological fields gathered here to identify and record organisms living in the lake and surrounding forest, prairie and marshland. The undertaking revealed the extraordinary biodiversity of green pockets that have survived within the urban and industrial landscape south of Chicago.
Heading north from Wolf Lake, the trail heads through a populated urban area, where locals frequently use the path to walk or bike to and from grocery stores. It's a wonderful example of a path that doubles as a neighborhood transportation corridor, with housing, restaurants and small grocery stores nearby. There are a few road crossings that require careful crossing, but all crossings are well marked.
The southern segment of the Burnham Greenway covers 2.1 miles between Green Lake Woods (159th Street/US 6) and State Street. When arriving by car, start at Green Lake Woods, which offers the only parking along the trail. The trail here is pleasant and well traveled, passing baseball fields and many neighborhoods. It passes Commissioner's Park, which features a playground and skate park.
There are plans to close the gap between the north and south segments. At the Burnham Greenway’s southern terminus at 159th Street, connect directly to the expanding Pennsy Greenway for a longer trek into Indiana.
The Burnham Greenway offers parking at Green Lake Woods.
Plase see TrailLink Map for detailed directions.
I lived in Hammond in 2014-2016 and this was one of the nearby trails I would frequent. Very well maintained. It doesn't hit any unique spots or destinations. Just a fine trail for a road or touring bike.
This trail is good for inner city and if you're starting out. For the most part every block or so you have the ability to step off the trail into a neighborhood to ask for help if you need it. If you are looking for an immersion into nature you may need a more rustic trail. There are some beautiful parts but for the most part you are adjacent to homes on the west side of the trail. The east side of the trail is where you get a bit of majesty in patches. It is very crowded on nice days with families, dogs and bikes which can be said to be good for some but not for others. Though this trail is maintained well, one actual negative point is the amount of graffitti and broken glass in spots.
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