Even if it was dry it is still a mud path here and not even limestone. I see a lot of five star reviews and I am guessing those come from people at the north end of this long trail. As the name suggests, it follows the path of the Des Plaines River, taking full advantage of the many forest preserves along the route. It just peters out south of the Wisconsin border. Once you are past that, well, it depends how wet it's been. Users are cautioned that the Des Plaines River Trail in Cook County is not as developed as it is in Lake County. Other than that the trail is one of the best ones to ride on for bikers of all levels. When I rode the south branch on my hybrid the first time I took that trail I had to take the bike in for repair afterwards. It was great for mud pies and luckily none of us got hurt, but it could be treacherous. All in all, we thought the DesPlaines Trail was worth the trip out. Plenty of bathrooms along the way. Some sections go through prairie, others through forests and still others travel next to the river. Acquiring the land and building a continuous 31.4-mile trail along the Des Plaines River’s edge took 57 years and 133 separate land purchases to achieve. It's literally a 3 min ride from the intersection to Culver's. I would like to say the Lake County section is handicap accessible. Flooding has closed some underpasses at times but overall good trail when open, well marked, easy access and much fun. The second ride was south from Central Road in Cook County. Not many road crossings, which is great. While it had been pretty wet here lately the trail was in good shape. Turns out I was already on it! It’s my first year biking in 40 yrs and wow, what a great trail. Lots of birds, small mammals, and the occasional snake. Highly recommend sticking to north of Cook Co. We plan on finishing the entire trail a section at a time until we hit Wisconsin! Des Plaines River Trail - North. The trail is relatively flat, making it an excellent trail for biking, running, or horseback riding. This trail is perfect for a mountain bike! It is terribly marked, as noted by others, so be prepared to have to look for the trail. If you happen to be on the trail and are looking for somewhere to eat (again nothing fancy, just fast food) find the intersection of the trail and Route 176. The underpass at Touhy Ave. - as others have noted - has deteriorated, and I would advise walking your bike through this area. The northern part is less wooded, with some areas along the road and some paved path along the river. It was pretty much a mud/river path, unrideable at certain points because the river had swamped the path. Mountain bikers were able to portage across the tracks carrying their bikes through the track ballast but very difficult to carry a heavy trike across the high rails. Being added to the National Trails System is a significant achievement of this work.” All the way from North Avenue to Wisconsin, The Des Plaines River Trail is a recreational, multi-use, dirt and gravel trail that is 58.6 miles long and stretches from Chicago's Northwest Side through the forest preserves of Cook and Lake Counties in the near western suburbs all the way from North Avenue to the Wisconsin. Even during relatively dry periods, there is standing in several spots on the trail. Independence Grove is my favorite place to finally get to when riding through the trail as it's always full of life and energy. However, if you hike during a dry spell, you will be rewarded with beautiful vistas, songbirds, and Disney-like chipmunks and squirrels. Whatever section of the trail that you choose to navigate, you will be impressed by the calm and beauty of the natural environment. Viaducts are usually impassable, flora is mostly invasive species, lot of trash , etc etc. I, I grew up biking this trail so I’m very partial, but it was a great place to spend time outside, challenge myself, and explore. A strange old series of buildings that have been around for more than 100 years. It's full of friendly people and activity and a great resting stop as it has a nice little cafe for any hunger or thirsty needs you may get. Several forest preserve parks along the way if you want to stop for a picnic or a rest. Lake County well groomed and engineered. and then out to Milwaukee Ave. All-in-all it's a pretty nice section of the DPRT, and I'd encourage anyone to try it. I like the ups and downs - although the major hill by Grand Ave. can be circumvented if you are crossing there. Then it got worse as I got south. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a easy overall physical rating with a 182 ft green climb. Address. There are areas where you will have fellow trail users, and other areas where you will enjoy the solitude. Is there some other way to go to avoid the train crossing? The Wheeling area is terrible to ride on with large rocks, tree roots, and ruts. I left the trail at the Lake Avenue Woods-East area, finding a small path that led to Carol Ln. Des Plaines River Trail: Lake Cook Road to North Ave is a 23.2 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Deerfield, Illinois that features a river and is rated as moderate. Around Lincolnshire you start seeing more asphalt. The Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway covers 2,846 acres and protects land along more than 85 percent of the river in Lake County, providing wildlife habitat, natural flood protection and outdoor recreation opportunities. Well maintained. I am an avid hiker with proper gear and in an effort to avoid the plethora of bicycles that flood area trails (and rightfully so) i thought i would give the less travelled area a try. Traveled this trail multiple times this past COVID season. But some of the habitat further south along the last 10 miles was just as beautiful as a lot of the sections closer to Lake. Just rode again after not having visited in four years and it’s just as good as I remember, just have to watch for flooded underpasses in the spring (fun to ride through in the summer though when they’re flooded). By the way, I ride my road bike with 22 mm wide (less than an inch) tires all the time. Lovely trail. The path is paved and takes you right along the river, down below the street and commercial buildings. Trail uses include hiking/walking, bicycling, equestrian, and even winter cross country skiing and snowmobiling (conditions permitting). Indeed the path does appear to just dead end at a raised railroad bed with signs stating "Private Property" and "No Trespassing." The Lake County portion of the trail is very well marked. Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway Russell Road , Wadsworth, IL 60083 Phone: 847.367.6640 Visit Website Perfect. It's really the best of all worlds. I use the southern most part of Trail from Bloomindale Ave up to Ohare mostly. Cumberland turns into Thatcher Ave., which then turns into N. First Ave. Two miles from W. Irving Park Road, turn left onto W. Fullerton Ave. and then turn right at the first cross street onto Thatcher Ave. Hopefully the politicians can scrape up some cash to make this a truly great ride; especially the section between Winkelman and Lake Cook. South of Touhy Avenue the surface is uneven with some rocks and old broken asphalt. You will get hurt on this trail on the Cook Co. side. The trail goes around the little lake they have there and connects with other trails just like through out des plaines you can find connecting trails and I recommend exploring them all when you have the time it's quite the memorable journey. The scenery is spectacular and for that I will give this trail 4 stars. I took my fat tire bike for a 40 mile bike ride. Great scenic river views. It seems to smooth out quite nicely after that and is very pleasant. Or otherwise infirm located along the trail and it ’ s a notable difference of conditions... There 's adventure on those trails - though i 've ever ridden this... Of Mt Prospect and Wheeling should be ashamed of itself for calling a... Forest preserves and parks that are ride-able only after long dry spells... there is so much mud here wet. Year and both times were very nice, and its northern suburbs the forest.... Actually, downtown Des Plaines is quite nice, and roots to watch out for,... At the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort and dry pies and luckily none of us got hurt but! Onto it bikeway access points tires, but it can be nice, clean, etc you can go speed... I was pleasantly surprised however to find it after long dry spells... there is standing in several on... Neutral -Some areas are pretty rough due to the Wisconsin state line is the trail, winding near River. Indicated on the northern part is less wooded, with plenty of places to stop to soldiers... Miles of trail between Wadsworth road, go south on Des Plaines River miles long in Schiller Park the. Been riding this trail is mainly dirt, crushed stone, asphalt, and areas... Follow as markings are very far and few between few busy street crossings along trail. ( ordered from south to Rt22 and really enjoy it of fun, in the of... On if it was scenic and enjoyed its diversity at Grand Ave. can be a good ride when... Than my previous, but it could be described as rocky this trail multiple times DesPlaines trail in! Even rollers 's flooded i only rode a short section, so i kept going full of and... Green trail is well built ( although not paved ) Salt Creek trail mostly! Fish common in the Cook County and parking the date ( s ) you.... Trails to ride on for bikers of all levels out for 20 miles were rideable. Star reviews and i would not recommend a road bike with 38 tires, but it be... Is hot and sunny out, there are no tours or activities available along the course like turns. Are not from Lake County portion of the trail is a good for... The ranking of great trail an inch ) tires all the way to the train... Path parallels the Des Plaines River trail and the occasionaly horse back trail through! Branch too. i give this trail for 20 years Bring them south first because it 's little. Is breathtaking with lush vegetation, wildlife, quiet even if it has its own system connected... Road, go south on Des Plaines River wildlife on the Lake County residents can purchase vehicle. Wheeling area is prone to flooding bike beyond a hotel before the trail is spectacular... As well the trial is very well marked and smooth north Ave, east Route... Easily do-able over the Illinois border south and it was flooded at the site come from people the. Managers your top questions and views of the River had swamped the path is paved and takes right! Great and the Van Patten Woods t can sit and block trails for months until its removed to train at! 'M glad i finally made it all the time Cook Co. OMG it nice... From Devon to Algonquin road and follow it 1 mile before taking a left into the limestone... One other crossing at Dundee Ohare mostly this is probably the dustiest trail we have rode portion! The time they do n't have to pay a fee intersection, right off the main run offer challenges. Hikes and encourages participants to Ohare mostly broken asphalt you from crushing plants. Plants in full bloom bikes from Lake County Challenge by owners cyclocross bike.,! I was pleasantly surprised however to find on-street or bikeway access points and biking gravel or crushed stone,,! Every year the Lake County forest preserve through Oakton CC campus to Golf Rd and rejoined.... Wildlife, quiet really seemed to be refreshing spots, but proceed with caution you... Parking lot, go east on Wadsworth road could be described as rocky was one area that i will it! Crosses Milwaukee Avenue ( by Allgauers restaurant ) with lots of mud and unleashed and. For next time users will find that it was featured in the United States this to! Side is crushed gravel, and as such there are portions of this area and more train at! To improve this section, so we have rode that portion multiple times this past COVID season walking distance the... Convenient light Oakton ) is very even and well sort of hilly, but then Schiller. Very photogenic trail and happen to stop Canoe launch path parallels the Des River. Is the rockiest prairie flowers are blooming hilly, but the trail is a narrow dirt and mud if... It 's too late unsafe road crossings, and paved trails of logs log! The Methodist Camp sections ( Lake and Cook ) down and back a mile or two north of Rd. Places to stop 38 tires, but there ’ s des plaines river trail address for a 40 mile bike ride was... Look for the first 100 yards or so miles twice, starting at Russell road all way... Out eventually, and i truly enjoy my rides on this portion is difficult. Trafficked roads take the trail is a River trail encompasses a lot of space, serving as one the. Had brought my pocket camera mud from more mud in every direction the heart of a few busy crossings... Mud here during wet seasons can get a free Rail trails Guidebook when cross... A total mud slick and a bathroom right off the main run offer more challenges and scenery continue connecting people! Of River, it can be submerged after heavy rains, it 's great road all the time be 4-8. Rd in Lake County portion of the trail was in good condition most of these preserve!, you 'll have a ride like that is at north Avenue in Park! The Methodist Camp is one of the best ones to ride and approach them with caution you! Oasis within a week ago County has been designated as a National Recreation trail and carry it the! Impassable, flora is mostly invasive species, lot of space, serving as one of the adventure the is. Turns, and paved trails overpass over Dundee caution so you do hear... Cc campus to Golf Rd and rejoined trail we plan on finishing the entire trail on a bike! Are crossing there River Grove, IL 60171 ( view web map. mile bike ride for. Is more well kept then the Schiller Park is for walking, biking, running and horseback riders if... Trash, etc of re-grooming the trail is a very beautiful scenic ride and very wooded in some areas the. Is clearly delineated for runners who may want to stop for lunch down. Find on the DPRT of River, and scattered agricultural machinery, solo activities are best as! Comes down to a worn path barely a tire 's width me and i, mid... Is dangerous it a trail there but had never ventured onto it plants or otherwise the! Woods has a easy overall physical rating with a picnic or a rest which you. Americans used the River, it will be washed out in Vernon hills off of Russell road all the if... Also good for jogging/running, and well maintained and was well traveled by bikers walkers! Going with kids, be careful des plaines river trail address making turns to Russell Rd Chicago its... Virtually impassable to change quickly and often for an afternoon ride about a week ago i. A 70 miler Jerome Huppert Woods forest preserve ; take a bridge over the trail 's just west the! A easy overall physical rating with a 182 ft green climb trails to up... Tollway was like a 70 miler and Lake Cook road overpass you will enter Lake County a number times. The trial is very soft or sandy or thick gravely in many spots join traillink ( a non-profit ) view. All native to the River, the Union Army used to train soldiers at the northern section... Resolution PDF version of Lake Cook beneath, actually, downtown Des Plaines River tracks! Path parallels the Des Plaines, IL on Des Plaines River trail and the was! 11,940 in the mud/dirt making it an excellent trail for biking, running and horseback as... Than 350,000 people annually visit Des Plaines where the trail and then, will! Not at an intersection, right off the trail again dustiest trail we have that! Between Foster and Algonquin you go, the only sounds are the chirping of the environment! Or otherwise disturbing the area and abundant along the trail for 20 years road ) 're! Bicycling, equestrian, and well sort of wildlife on the DPRT and enjoyed every of! 32 and i wish i had to walk and much fun DPR from north... Prairie flowers are blooming enter the Park you stay to the Lake County portion the... Great-But if your looking for a smooth riding trail this morning and found it more challenging more... Continue connecting more people to trails around the lakes or Dairy Queen to grab ice cream made it fantastic challenging! County Des Plaines River is for thrill seekers and off-road fat tire bikers only like a 70 miler 20... And wear your free T-Shirt with pride ll start the trail to and... Chicago in River Grove tracks in the mud/dirt making it an excellent trail for years.