Best Bike Trails in Illinois

Illinois has invested heavily in bike infrastructure. Here are the trails worth riding.

Chicago & Suburbs

Chicago Lakefront Trail

Length: 18 miles Surface: Paved

The iconic path along Lake Michigan. Now split into separate bike and pedestrian paths.

Highlights:

• Beach access throughout

• Museum Campus to Hollywood Beach

• Best skyline views in the city

Tip: Avoid peak weekend hours (10am-4pm summer) if you want to move.

North Branch Trail

Length: 20+ miles Surface: Paved

From Chicago through suburbs along the North Branch of the Chicago River.

Highlights:

• Chicago Botanic Garden at north end

• Forest preserve connections

• Wildlife viewing

Illinois Prairie Path

Length: 61 miles (with branches) Surface: Crushed limestone

Historic rail-trail through western suburbs. Multiple branches reach different destinations.

Main branches:

• Aurora Branch (to downtown Aurora)

• Elgin Branch (to downtown Elgin)

• Batavia Spur

Des Plaines River Trail

Length: 56 miles Surface: Mixed (paved and crushed stone)

North-south corridor through Lake and Cook counties.

Central Illinois

Constitution Trail

Length: 45 miles Where: Bloomington-Normal Surface: Paved

Excellent urban trail system connecting throughout the twin cities.

Rock Island Trail

Length: 26 miles (expanding) Where: Peoria area Surface: Paved

Scenic trail through wooded areas, being extended to reach Rock Island.

Great Western Trail

Length: 17 miles Where: DeKalb County Surface: Crushed limestone

Flat, scenic ride through rural terrain.

Southern Illinois

Tunnel Hill Trail

Length: 45 miles Where: Vienna to Harrisburg Surface: Crushed stone

The state's premier rail-trail. Goes through a 543-foot tunnel!

Highlights:

• Historic railroad tunnel

• Shawnee National Forest scenery

• Remote and peaceful

River to River Trail

For: Mountain biking Where: Shawnee National Forest

Rugged trail for experienced riders. Beautiful but challenging.

Road Cycling Routes

Galena Area

Rolling terrain, scenic roads, wine country vibes.

Champaign-Urbana Area

Flat roads, rural scenery, good for distance.

Door County-Style (Lake County)

Ravinia to Lake Geneva route is popular.

Resources

• Ride Illinois - Advocacy and route info

• Chicago Active Transportation Alliance - Urban cycling advocacy

• IDOT bike maps - Free detailed maps by region

Safety Tips

1. Helmet always - No excuses

2. Be visible - Lights front and rear

3. Announce passes - "On your left"

4. Stay right - Let faster riders pass

5. Watch for cross-traffic - At road intersections

6. Carry basics - Tube, pump, multi-tool