Explore the best rated trails in Downers Grove, IL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail and Tall Grass Greenway Trail . With more than 118 trails covering 4818 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We rode from the parking lot near the corner of West Devon and N. Milwaukee in Norwood Park East up to the Chicago Botanic Garden and back, a total of just under 32 miles. The trail was in excellent condition--almost perfect asphalt surface, curvy, gentle hills and very shady. Most of the road crossings were quite easy--well regulated with lights or signage. We rode mid-day on a Friday in mid-May and there were only a few people on the trail (and one horse in the equestrian trail next to the bike/walk trail). We were on Class 1 e-bikes, following the 15mph speed limit, but did find that lots of people were speeding past us. The trail goes by many parks that include bathrooms and drinkable water.
We had planned to have lunch at the CBG, but found we'd have to buy tickets to enter ($23 pp). Apparently 3 years or so ago, you could get in for free and only had to pay for parking, as I had read in these reviews. We didn't have time to explore the garden so we ended up buying one ticket so one person could go in and purchase lunch for both us--we were hungry and did not want to ride busy roads to get to fast food places. There was a good picnic area by the parking lot where we could have our lunch.
CBG was a beautiful destination--you can ride through the perimeter of the garden with out buying a ticket. The Skokie Lagoon was also a wonderful natural area--full of deer and birds. I'd highly recommend this ride on the North Branch Trail if you're on Chicago's North Side.
I ran into minor construction on the 127th st. bridge, but the workers let me through no problem. The street crossings were annoying, but relatively safe. My only complaint is that the trail is somewhat dirty (especially at road crossings) and could use a good brush off and resurfacing.
I look forward to the day when this trail is completed to its proposed western terminus and connection with the Burnham Greenway!
Trail is in great shape and was a blast to ride on through the canal-area. Sing was good and road crossings were not an issue.
I have rode this trail over the last 30 plus years and many parts need grading and gravel. I wish part that runs through Joliet could be paved and become part of Joliet Junction Trail
Nice ride, but many buckles in the pavement. Hang on tight!
Beautiful but beware of pollen.
This is a really great trail to run on. It is very soft, especially the stretch just east of Gougar. There is a lot of really beautiful scenery. I ran the entire trail today and it was exactly 7 miles. This is not a good place to ride a bike unless you enjoy riding a soft soggy trail. There are horses on this trail so be sure to keep dogs on a leash. Just as side note, there are two dogs that run around loose from a local house. But they are totally friendly. They have run up to me twice now. They’re just tail wagers. and sniffers.
Announced last week is the closure of the 127th St. bridge which is located just east of CalSag Road. This will take place from March to December, 2024. Or in other words, the whole biking season for 2024. The repair of the intersection at 127th and CalSag road was completed in late 2023.
I rode this on 2/26/24 a beautiful 70 degree day This trail runs from merrillville all the way to the Oak Savannah Prairie Park and connects to the Oak Savannah Trail - north to Griffith and south to Schererville and Crown Point
The Green Bay trail is nicely maintained but as others have mentioned the signs for how to keep the trail when going through residential areas is confusing. We found ourselves at one point randomly biking through Highland Park.
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