Illinois’ longest bike trail stretches 535 miles, guiding riders along Lake Michigan, the northern state border, as well as the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
Chicago still has a lot of summer left, and a great way to enjoy it is by exploring the beautiful outdoors on your bicycle.
Why not consider visiting Illinois’ longest bike trail? This trail takes you on a loop through the northern part of the state, starting from Lake Michigan and extending all the way to the Mississippi River. On your way back, you’ll also follow the Illinois River and the Hennepin Canal.
Illinois’s longest bike trail is The Grand Illinois Trail.
The Grand Illinois Trail offers flexibility in ride length. You can enjoy a full day or a shorter few-hour trip exploring different path sections.
Approximately 200 miles of the trail are paved, while the rest consists of limestone or dirt paths. It was formed by merging various other trail systems and bike paths across the state.
This trail showcases cityscapes, farmlands, bridges, canals, rivers, prairies, and diverse wildlife.
Divided into ten sections, some notable subsections are:
- Chicago Lakefront Path
- Illinois Prairie Path
- Great River Trail
- Hennepin Canal Trail
- I & M Canal Route
- Fox River Trail
The route will lead you past several prominent Chicago attractions, such as:
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Navy Pier
- Lake Michigan
- Oak Park’s Frank Lloyd Wright studio and home
- Oak Park’s Hemingway Museum
Escape the city and venture into the suburbs to explore the Old Plank Road Trail and Thorn Creek Trail. As you move farther from the urban hustle, you’ll encounter unique Illinois attractions like charming small towns, roadside diners, ice cream shops, and much more.
Experience a Supported 6-Day Tour in June
Every June, Ride Illinois hosts a fully supported six-day bike tour spanning 210 to 375 miles. This journey takes you through northwest Illinois, passing by the Mississippi River and Quad Cities.
More Than a Bike Path
The Grand Illinois Trail caters to more than just cyclists. Walkers, hikers, long-distance runners, horseback riders, campers, nature enthusiasts, and birdwatchers can join in at any point along the trail to appreciate the natural beauty of our state.
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