Discover all the best bicycle trails in Illinois, including river trails, historic rail trails, mountain bike tracks, leisurely paved cycleways, and scenic State Parks.
As a cyclist, you'll love the sights offered, including forests, canals, rolling hills, and the blue waters of Lake Michigan. Whether you want to get off the beaten track, or stay on the road more-traveled, you'll find just what you need for your Illinois cycling needs.
Chicago Bike Trails
Chicago has a variety of bike trails perfect for exploring the city or just enjoying the ride. Take a scenic ride along the Lake Michigan shore, traverse urban paths on converted rail lines, or experience the excitement of a dedicated bike park. Discover trails that meander through parks, follow historic pathways, and wind along peaceful waterways. Chicago's bike trails are a great way to experience what the city is all about.
Chicago Lakefront Bike Trail
Chicago offers a gorgeous Lakefront Trail on Lake Michigan for biking that is an active and eco-friendly way to see the city’s incredible views. Take in the blue waters and green parks as you pedal along the 18-mile path, with world famous attractions awaiting you along the way.
The 606 Chicago Trail
The 606 is an urban trail along an abandoned rail line. It runs for 2.7 miles between Ashland and Ridgeway with access points every quarter-mile. An elevated park with public artwork, the 606 is Chicago’s answer to New York’s High Line.
Big Marsh Bike Park
A former industrial waste dump transformed into a bike park, Big Marsh has 278 acres of family-friendly bike trails and mountain biking tracks just 20 minutes from the Chicago Loop on the southeast side of Chicago.
Salt Creek Trail, Brookfield
In the Chicago suburbs, you'll find Salt Creek Trail running along Salt Creek through Des Plaines River, Salt Creek and Brookfield Zoo. The mostly paved paths winding through the Forest Preserve are perfect for families.
Northern Illinois Bike Trails
Discover the towns, landscapes, and history of Northern Illinois via the region's bike trails. Ride along riverbanks, traverse historic routes, and enjoy paths through lush countryside. These trails combine natural beauty with glimpses into the area's history and culture, giving you a unique way to experience Northern Illinois.
The Grand Illinois Trail
The Grand Illinois Trail is a 535-mile trail in Northern Illinois that runs from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. Bike through the state’s longest continuous trail that features historical canals, Chicago views, unglaciated hills, the Rock and Fox Rivers and one of America’s first rail trails. 200 miles of the trail is paved and country roads, but the rest of the way is natural limestone paths. Become one of the few to complete all 535 miles of the trail, and you will join the Trail Blazer program.
I&M Canal State Trail
The 61-mile-long Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail is home to hiking and biking trails that follow the historic route of the I&M Canal from Channahon to LaSalle. There are also plenty of opportunities to fish, picnic, camp and canoe through the canal. If you are a history buff, you’ll love being on the path that French explorers Joliet and Marquette explored when they looked for a water route to the Gulf of Mexico in the 1600s.
Fox River Trail
On the Fox River Bike Trail you can enjoy a 43-mile ride along the Fox River. This trail connects charming towns like Elgin and St. Charles, lush parks, and historic sites. Ride on smooth paved paths through serene natural surroundings, perfect for a leisurely trip or a more energetic journey. Stop by local shops and eateries in towns along the route, and immerse yourself in the region's beauty and culture on this engaging trail.
The Great Western Trail
The Great Western Trail follows 17 miles of the historic route of the Great Western Railway. This trail provides a mix of paved and crushed stone paths, making it perfect for both casual and experienced cyclists. Enjoy scenic views as you pass through woodlands, wetlands, and open fields, connecting towns like Lombard and St. Charles. It's a peaceful and enjoyable ride, perfect for taking at your own pace as you enjoy the beauty of Northern Illinois.
Western Illinois Bike Trails
Venture into Western Illinois on bike trails that take you through scenic farmland, quaint small towns, and peaceful woodlands. Pedal along routes that wind beside rivers and explore trails that uncover the region's agricultural and cultural heritage. These trails provide a unique and engaging way to experience the serene beauty and history of Western Illinois.
Galena River Trail
The Galena River Trail offers a picturesque 8.8-mile ride along the Galena River, suited to cyclists of all abilities. The trail features a crushed limestone path that winds through scenic woodlands, prairies, and wetlands, with stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside. As you ride, you'll pass historic sites and Galena's famous downtown, known for its 19th-century architecture and boutique shopping and dining.
Rock Island Trail
Enjoy 26 miles of uninterrupted scenery cycling along a former railway corridor through the Rock Island Trail State Park. The scenic trail takes you through a mix of prairie, woodland, and farmland. Along the way, you'll come across remnants of the old railway system, amid prairie grasses and wildflowers. It's a good way for both casual and avid cyclists to take in the peaceful, picturesque surroundings of the heart of Western Illinois.
Mississippi River Trail
The Mississippi is a long river with a long history. The Mississippi River Trail isn't quite as long, but at 60 miles, it still provides a fantastic journey. It passes through the Quad Cities with a blend of urban and natural landscapes, bringing you sweeping riverfront vistas and the charm of vibrant riverside communities. This well-maintained trail features flat, paved surfaces, and offers access to parks, historic sites, and more.
Vadalabene Bike Trail
The Vadalabene Bike Trail runs along an old railway from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park, and follows the Illinois River to its meeting with the Mississippi River. The stretch along the Great River Road is particularly dramatic with forests, limestone bluffs and the majestic Mississippi. You may even see bald eagles. Make time to explore Alton and the historic town of Elsah.
Central Illinois Bike Trails
Land of Lincoln
Discover the heart of Illinois on a Central Illinois cycleway. Ride across the Land of Lincoln through picturesque farmland, past historic railways, and along serene riverbanks. Here, it's a mix of heartland hospitality and scenic rural landscapes, with the tranquility of wooded areas, and expansive views of the prairies.
Constitution Trail
Cycling is integral to Bloomington-Normal, and that spirit is represented no place better than the Constitution Trail. It follows the old Illinois Central Gulf Railroad right-of-way over 50 miles, taking you through warm communities, scenic parks, and fascinating historic sites. Along each branch you'll discover something new and different, delivering a unique view of this central Illinois community.
Hennepin Canal Bike Paths
Ready for 105 miles of scenic and historic delight? Then the Hennepin Canal Bike Paths are for you. This extensive trail system follows the historic Hennepin Canal, a towpath that was designed to link the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, but was never actually used. Still, the locks and aqueducts remain, making it a delightful and unique ride through history.
Rock Island Greenway
13 miles of paved trail cycling fun awaits you on the Rock Island Greenway. This popular trail passes through a variety of urban and natural settings, connecting parks, neighborhoods, and commercial areas. Plus, you can enjoy stunning views of the Illinois River, including the River Trail of Illinois on the other shore - a nice 5 mile chaser!
Sangamon Valley Trail
The Sangamon Valley Trail is a scenic, mostly shaded route spanning about 11.5 miles of Springfield's outskirts, from Centennial Park to Cantrall. It's a well-maintained asphalt trail, with beautiful bridges taking you over highways and creeks, passing through charming rural scenery while never straying too far from the state's capital. It partly follows an old railway right-of-way, further connecting you with the history of the region.
Southern Illinois Bike Trails
Trails to Adventure
They don't call Southern Illinois "Trails to Adventure" for nothing. The region is home to some of our best outdoor adventure, including our best cycling opportunities. Take your bike through rolling hills, follow grand routes to scenic vistas, and enjoy paths that wind through forests and past historic sites. Every journey is an adventure when you bike through Southern Illinois.
U.S. Bicycle Route 76
Intersecting the Tunnel Hill State Trail, U.S. Bicycle Route 76 passes through six Illinois counties with beautiful views in the southern part of the state. This TransAmerica bike route runs from Missouri to Virginia and was established in 1982 as an original U.S. Bicycle Route. Explore small town Cave-In-Rock along the trail, where large caves hosted a band of river pirates for decades. In addition, check out the Trail of Tears where 14,000 Cherokees took on their march to an Oklahoma reservation. Don’t forget to enjoy the views of whole fields of flowers in the summertime.
American Discovery Trail
The best way to travel 75 miles from the Illinois River to the Mississippi River is by bike! The Illinois American Discovery Trail is part of a larger trail that stretches across 15 states. Quaint towns, camping spaces and historical sites line the trail in Illinois. The path covers the whole state with a northern route that is mostly flat and runs along a canal and a southern route that goes through hilly country, untouched by glaciers. This area called the Illinois Ozarks and Shawnee Hills has geologically remained the same for centuries.
Tunnel Hill State Trail
Bike through history on the Tunnel Hill State Trail. It winds through seven towns including ghost towns, train tunnels, reclaimed strip mines and rocky streams. Tunnel Hill was born from abandoned train operations between Harrisburg and Karnak in Southern Illinois near Carbondale. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources transformed the railroad ballast into a trail for hikers, joggers and cyclists. While the trail is long and difficult and includes 47.8 miles of crushed gravel surface, inclines, and dark tunnels, it is one of the most exciting in Illinois.
Rend Lake Bike Trail
The Rend Lake Bike Trail extends over 20 miles around the picturesque Rend Lake, providing you with stunning views of its waters, as well as prairie, wetlands, and woods. As you ride, enjoy the serenity of the natural surroundings and watch for local wildlife, including deer and a variety of waterfowl. The trail is mostly flat, in three fully-paved, separate sections. If you're planning to ride two or three at once, be sure to get the lay of the land and preview the connecting stretches - there's some highway involved. The visitor center can help on that front, too, as well as supplying you with a trail map.
Illinois Route 66 Bike Trail
Motorists have long traveled the legendary US Route 66. Now it's the cyclists' turn! Beginning in Chicago, Bicycle Route 66 runs to Santa Monica, California for a total of 2500 miles. The bicycle route diverges from the Historic 66 vehicle route and is more relaxing and immersed in Illinois’ rolling hills and prairies. Travel west on bike paths, country roads and state, federal and interstate highways. Enjoy the back roads of the trail and along the way experience iconic Route 66 sights like The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and Memory Lane.
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