The Best Chicagoland Bike Paths

While Chicago might not be able to accommodate uttermost mountain bikers see to jaw up some trails , there ’s no shortage of badly awful pathways for rider of all levels . We ’ve round up the most approachable , semi - challenging , and fun routes in the area – work in beautiful lagoon , culture detour , and brewery nether region - stops along the way . Even the laziest of pedalers will be equipped to handle some of these trails as they stretch across Chicagoland ’s wonderfully flat terrain .

A scenic route through Sculpture Park

Start at North Shore Channel Trail at Devon Ave and McCormick Blvd , oddment at North Shore Channel Trail at McCormick Blvd and Dempster St. Distance:3.5 mile ( one way)The high spot of theNorth Shore Channel Trail ’s suburban segment , which continues to go adjacent to the Union channel of the Chicago River from the city , is a two - mile stretch from Touhy to Dempster take with 60 + whole kit and caboodle of art along theSkokie Northshore Sculpture Park . Take aself - guided tour of the strange sculpturesas you go . For an added challenge , extend the ride beyond the sculptures up the path through theLadd Arboretumin Evanston .

A wild ride through forest preserves

Start atSchiller Woods - South , terminate inDes PlainesDistance:7 miles ( one way)TheDes Plaines River Trailoffers a ready wild kettle of fish for those who need to breeze through a portion of the 60 - mile track that cuts through the many forest preserves in Cook County and Lake County . mind north fromSchiller Woods entree pointnear Irving Park Rd along the unpaved path to see wildlife like blue Heron , beavers , and fox under a canopy of previous - growth trees . More experienced off - roaders can take offshoots that ’ll eventually return to the main track . Head back when you strike Algonquin Rd in Des Plaines .

Ride to a rare Baha’i temple and breathtaking gardens

Start atBaha’i House of Worshipin Wilmette , end atChicago Botanic Gardenin GlencoeDistance:10.3 Swedish mile ( one way)Explore the beautiful Baha’i temple ( the only one in North America is conveniently turn up in Wilmette ) before setting off forone of the city ’s best - design spaces . By way of Sheridan Rd along the lake or the easy , crushed stoneGreen Bay Trail , you ’ll finally cut over to theNorth Branch Trail , which will wind through the Skokie Lagoons before rolling into the stunning 385 - acre garden in Glencoe ( entering on foot or cycle stimulate you in devoid ) . Too exhausted to wheel back after strolling through the greenery ? Luckily , the Metra ’s Braeside full point is just a Harlan Fisk Stone ’s throw away .

West Side elevated trail peppered with food and drink options

Start atHollywood Grillfor brunch , end atWeegee ’s Loungefor cocktailsDistance:2.7 miles ( one way)The least intimidate pathway in the city , the Bloomingdale Trail ( akathe 606 ) , is even more manageable withits bevy of all right eating / drink optionsalong the way . With less than three miles one direction – stretching through Bucktown , Wicker Park , Logan Square , and Humboldt Park without street traffic interruptions – you’re able to essentially cruise the elevated trail back and forward for hour , start out with a hearty breakfast skillet ( for energy ! ) . And remember to take this one reaaaaaal easy , so you do n’t cramp up from all the mid - drive oatmeal shakes atIrazuand end - of - the - rails martinis , o.k. ?

A gentle ride through elk pastures around a reservoir

Start and end atE Higgins Rd and Arlington Heights Rdin Elk Grove VillageDistance:12.6 miles ( roundtrip for loop)For those who abominate backtracking , the popular paved lead within the 3,700 - acre Ned Brown Forest Preserve ( lovingly known asBusse Woods ) in northwestern Cook County loops around a 590 - Akko reservoir . You ’ll eliminate through thick woodlet of oaks and maples and span bridges over Salt Creek , and can even take a break for an up - close look at American elk rake in the pasture .

Tour de Tiki from Downtown to the ‘burbs

Ride a paved stretch through diverse landscapes

take up at Centennial Trail in Lemont , end at Cicero Ave in AlsipDistance:13.3 stat mi ( one way)Even experienced riders receive the relatively new , multi - purpose reaching of theCal - Sag Trailin the city ’s south suburban area in Palos Park . Eventually , the nerve tract will expand to 26 miles and connect to other trail systems like theCentennial and I&M Canal trailsto the due west to theBurnham Greenwayto the eastern United States . Riders can take in the landscape painting diversity along the Cal - Sag Channel , let in some hills . Park near Archer Ave and Calumet Sag Rd in Lemont or reach the lead via Sag Quarries , Teason ’s Woods , among other post .

Hit one of Chicago’s best museums and Indiana’s best brewery by bike

Start atThe Museum of Science and Industry , stop at3 Floyds Brewpubin Munster , INDistance:21.6 Swedish mile ( one way)Beer geeks can fill up at the Museum of Science and Industry before set off on a 40 - Admiralty mile lakefront ride from Downtown to one of Indiana ’s good brewpubs . The Lakefront Trail gives means to streets on the metropolis ’s South Side before connecting to theBurnham Greenway , Wolf Lake Trail , andLake County Monon Trail , which will carry you over to 3 Floyds for top - pass beer on tap and a few rarefied wedge to stockpile . Push through the itch to nap by first biking another 10 miles Rebecca West toFlossmoor Station Brewing Company– conveniently located at the Metra stop – for another growler to share on the train back to the urban center ( remember to politely enquire for disposable cupful ) . you’re able to at least tell your acquaintance you biked all the path to Indiana just for some beer , even if you could n’t bicycle your way home .

Beachside bumming from a chill café to a South Side seafood shack

Start atWaterfront Caféin Edgewater , terminate atCalumet Fisheriesin South DeeringDistance:22.3 miles ( one way)Make an afternoon of beach bar - hopping on the lake , start with the patio atWaterfront Caféin Edgewater . From there , you ’ll have several waterfront options for snacks and drinks while leisurely riding south along theChicago Lakefront Trail , includingThe Dock at Montrose Beach , Castawaysat North Ave , Oak Street Beach Food + Drink , Caffe Olivaat Ohio Street Beach , andThe Cove Loungenear Promontory Point . A stinker pepper catfish dinner party with a side of fry shrimp atCalumet Fisherieson East 95th St will complete your " seaside " experience . Catch a train at the nearby South Chicago ( 93rd St ) Metra post to get home .

Hardcore ride from the North Side to Lake Bluff Brews

Start atHeritage Outpostin Uptown , end atLake Bluff Brewing Co.in Lake BluffDistance:27.5 mile ( one way)Fuel up with some local java and verify your bike is in pourboire - top shape in Uptown before making an all - mean solar day trek up north . thread your way through city street up to the North Shore Channel Trail , then veer over to the Green Bay Trail , which will change by reversal into the tree diagram - run along Robert McClory Bike Path as you guide through manicured North Shore suburbia and relaxed countryside . Tack on lagoons and forest landscape to your urban jungle journeying by link up with theNorth Branch Trailin position of the unbowed - shot viaGreen Bay Trailbefore hitting the Robert McClory Bike Path the rest of the way to Lake Bluff ( note : this path will add a couple miles ) . take hold of some pothouse chow and a cold one at Lake Bluff Brewing Co. before hightailing it home .

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