Chicago's Most Beautiful Runs Will Make You Actually Want to Work Out

Whether you ’re a dedicated marathoner , a weekend warrior , or the occasional jogger actuate solely by the guilt feelings of depleted white potato crisp cup of tea , Chicago has wondrously scenic itinerary for just about every kind of runner . While put off manic cyclists and behind - strike walker every few seconds is a surefire way to induce runner route - rage , the city ’s solidhikingandbikingtrails also make for meritable runs . So fortify up your stoolie and get ready to pip the most gorgeous stretches within urban center limit .

Lakefront Trail North from Belmont to Hollywood

It ’s knockout to beat out the most obvious , easily accessible running itinerary in the city : the Lakefront Trail has bird’s-eye views of the skyline , lake breeze , beaches , and parks – even some with hills thrown into the mixing – and trail mark every half - mile to help get across your distance . The trail ’s less - crowded north end broadly wee it a go - to goal for uninterrupted track . The way of life veers away from the water just northwards of Belmont Harbor until Foster Beach , but it ’s easy to addict over to an unpaved , tree - lined stretch along the lake start near Montrose Beach . It ’ll sync up with the primary course again at Foster Beach , where you’re able to remain north until it ends at Hollywood Ave before circle back .

Lakefront Trail South from Navy Pier to Northerly Island

From Navy Pier , take the Lakefront Trail or , better yet , get at the Lake Shore Drive overpass near the wharfage , which will keep you slightly closer to the water ’s sharpness as you direct in the south to Northerly Island and the Adler Planetarium . You ’ll score some of the just , exhaust - free views of the urban center here , and the crowds will start to slim out on the 91 - acre manmade peninsula . It ’ll feel pleasantly secluded winding through landing field of wildflowers and prairie pasturage , but killer skyline views will keep you tie to the metropolis and you ’ll time a good six miles round trip .

North Shore Channel Trail from River Park to Skokie

Everyone loves Chicago ’s Lakefront Trail , but it can get jam during marathon training season . The less - populate , paved North Shore Channel Trail , which operate along the east side of the Chicago River as you head the four miles northward from the park at Argyle and Francisco to Skokie , is a runner ’s dream . The wooded path tames the malarky and provide cooling tincture on raging summer 24-hour interval as you trim back through several local commons with plenty of water fountains . The River Park path is perfect for f number work , and adventuresome offset can finally connect to the Green Bay Trail for a longer journey up to the Botanical Gardens .

Jackson Park to Washington Park via Midway Plaisance

Home to the annual Chicago Half Marathon , Hyde Park propose some of the best running spots in the integral metropolis , and start up at the 500 - acre South Side park fromDevil in the White City(not to observe the future home for Barack Obama ’s presidential subroutine library ) would be a solid option . Remnants of the 1893 World ’s Fair , like Osaka Garden , still exist in Jackson Park , but you ’ll also find beachside and bird trail to keep an good afternoon run interesting . From there , head west along the Midway Plaisance , a beautiful greenish blank space that passes through the University of Chicago and connects with the 372 - Akka Washington Park .

Chicago Riverwalk

Looking to mash in a quick workout ? The unforesightful , sleek Downtown tract along the south bank of the Chicago River from Lake Shore Dr to LaSalle St makes for an apotheosis , architecturally attract morning lam near the water . If the flat , easy route is n’t enough to get your core pumping , try breaking off the way to scarper up and down the Michigan Ave bridge deck stairs a few times .

Grant Park

With 319 - acres of lush green outer space , Chicago ’s " front yard " is an unexpected haven in the heart and soul of one of the busy parting of the metropolis . The urban center centerpiece is the website of world - class museum and beautiful contiguous greenspace with breathtaking lakefront sight . While we would n’t recommend pretend here during Lollapalooza or any of the other mega summer food and euphony fests , the roomy park ’s notable muscae volitantes like Buckingham Fountain , Millennium Park , and Museum Campus are definitely deserving exploring via its main four - mile running course as well as various offshoot paths and sidewalk .

North Park Village Nature Center

Most people saunter through the 46 - Accho wild haven in the middle of the metropolis , but there ’s no reason jaded urban joggers ca n’t take a short jaunt through the largest city - possess natural area on the north side of Chicago . The serene nature preserves ’s trails and boardwalks easy fart through undisturbed timber , wetlands , prairie , and savannas . You ’ll likely require to slow down for the inevitable wildlife sightings like the resident marsh heron , but quiet , someone - satisfying trek are also expert for the body , right ?

Lincoln Park

Like Grant Park , Lincoln Park has a lot survive on : the city ’s urban green space has a free public menagerie , history and nature museums , a hothouse , lagune , and nature sanctuary – all of which are simple whole tone from the concrete hobo camp . Marathon trainee can shake up their lakefront running regime by taking a roundabout way around the North Pond Nature Sanctuary or through the Lincoln Park Zoo , which is mostly pedestrian - free during off - hours ( note : the zoo itself opens at 10 am , but gate open to the world at 7 am class - round ) and you’re able to choose from several routes to access dissimilar exhibit space . Whether you pop out near the seals or the lions is up to you .

Humboldt Park and Boulevards

The beautiful , mammoth park in the Humboldt Park neighborhood has 219 - acres of well - keep up lead , restored prairies , gardens , laguna , monuments , bridge , skyline views from a massive hill , field planetary house , and a boat sign of the zodiac . There ’s good deal of parking nearby , and it ’s never overcrowded , so there ’s elbow room to explore the many pathways . tacking on more gas mileage by taking your running out of the commons and manoeuvre north on the circumvent boulevards : Humboldt Blvd , Logan Blvd , and Kedzie Blvd feature greenish stretch and dirt paths alongside routine - of - the - century homes .

The 606/Bloomingdale Trail

The elevated elongate parking lot track cuts through West Side neighborhoods in need of more light-green space and unpaid resources . build along a former railroad running , the 2.7 - mile Bloomingdale Trail ( often called “ The 606 ” by the kewl kids ) has about a dozen access points and contribute runner a opportunity to thread through Wicker Park , Bucktown , Humboldt Park , and Logan Square without dealings interruptions . Stretching above street point from Ashland Ave in the eastern United States to Ridgeway Ave in the westward , you ’ll be able to take in interesting views of the city , include some elaborate graffito wall painting and glimpses into local homeowners ' windows .

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