The Orland Park Bikeway provides a great connector across the Chicago suburb of Orland Park. On its southern end, the trail begins at W 159th Street and winds its way through Centennial Park, which offers many amenities including ball fields, an aquatic park, dog park, pavilions, and fishing piers. Shortly thereafter, the trail parallels S Ravinia Avenue, providing access to the shops and restaurants along the busy roadway, as well as a spur leading to Cameno Real Park, a tot lot.
You'll pass the popular John Humphrey Complex with multiple ball fields and public restrooms. From there, the trail angles northeast and becomes more residential in nature. When you come to the Ravinia Place crossing, you can turn left (head west) and reach the Orland Park History Museum (14415 South Beacon Avenue), just a block from the trail.
North of the museum, the trail loses its quiet flavor for a short distance as it follows two multi-lane roadways, W 143rd Street and South La Grange Road (US 45). But don't get discouraged; after crossing La Grange on a bike/ped bridge, the rest of the trail returns to more tranquil settings, winding through residential neighborhoods and past small ponds and parks. The trail ends at a connection to the Tinley Creek Trail, which provides the opportunity to connect to several forest preserves throughout the area.
Parking lots are available in Centennial Park (15600 West Avenue), the John Humphrey Complex (147th St & West Ave), and along Ravinia Place.
Not all the way around the lake is paved. Some gravel. Then off trail too. Showing its age in some spots. so rough for bikes. But bringing my boots to see if the off trail goes around the lake?? Liked the wooden path over the marsh area. Didn’t go through housing area.
This trail is very poorly marked. It was very difficult to find the trail when crossing streets and such. Also no signs pointing which way to go when the trail intersected with another path. Also to much of the trail is along busy streets! It’s also very short. also
When I say this trail is bumpy, I mean headache-inducing bumps. A lot of the trail is on a busy road. There was construction during part of the trail and there was no signs for a detour, there was barley any signs at all. I had to have the map pulled up on my phone the whole time to make sure where I was. There is a section where you have to go on an overpass and the trail makes you walk UP STAIRS, so I had to circle back around to find a better way to the trail. However, the parks at the trail tail and head were very pretty with the lake, flowers, and trees. Overall, I think this trail is more of a running/walking path than it is a bike path
Orland Park has done a nice job putting this urban connector together especially considering you are in the land of subdivisions and strip malls. The Centennial Park portion of the ride is better than most urban parks I've ever visited. It's a nice little extra to add urban miles from the Tinley Creek Trail. Can't give it 5 stars because it needs signage, a little trimming, and as mentioned previously can be bumpy south of 147th before the park.
Bumpy ride from 143rd train station to Tinley Creek Loop. Part of trail was flooded June 2020. Easy detour on residential streets. Overall good workout. Bike with suspension would have helped.
Me and my wife loved this trail. we are beginners at this and alternate pulling a trailer with 2 kids, so imagine pulling an additional almost 100 pounds behind you. This trail was easy on us, not much uphill cycling. the scenery is nice and the lake is beautiful. Very short however compared to others but if you live in the area I would recommend you check it. Traffic is very low here.
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