Palos Hills Forest Preserve
Forest Preserve District of Cook County 708/366-9420
This area provides the best mountain biking in close proximity to Chicago. There are trails for horses, hiking and biking. The trails are good for all levels with a mixture of single tack and fire roads. Directions from the Loop: Take I-55 southwest to LaGrange Rd south. Archer Avenue west and left on 95th St. At the top of the hill you will enter the Preserve. There is parking at Bull Frog Lake. The trip is about 20 miles. MAP

Kettle Moraine
414/594-6200
The trail is just over the Wisconsin border and well worth it for an all day trip. The trails are well marked and cater to all skill levels. There are close to 30 miles of trail riding with very few street crossings. There are lots of climbs throughout the trail to keep you changing gears. Directions from the Loop: Take I-94 north into Wisconsin. Go west on Route 50 to Hwy 12. Northwest on 12 until County Hwy H Right. Turn right and the John Muir Trail will appear on your left in about 2 miles. It is about 95 miles total. MAP

.....AND PAVED TRAILS............

Chicago Lakefront Path This is a great path for leisure bicycle riding. It is approxiamtley 20 miles long starting at Sheridan Rd and Bryn Mawr. It travles south until 71st Street and Lake Michigan. There are some street crossings but the path travels through parks along the Lake. There are many places to stop and swim, have lunch, go to museums, and other attractions. MAP

North Branch Trail
708/366-9420
This is a beautiful paved trail that winds along the North Branch of the Chicago River and the Skokie Lagoons. It is surprisingly empty during the week. There are street crossings so watch for cars. It is about 20 miles from the parking lot to the Botanic Gardens and then you can ride streets north to the Wisconsin border or turn back around. Directions from the Loop: Directions from the Loop: Take Milwaukee Ave northwest until Devon. until Devon and the parking lot is a half a block east on Devon. MAP

I & M Canal State Trail
815/740-2047
This is a limestone trail that extends about 56 miles. There are many manmade and natural attractions along the side the trail and canal. The Illinois River winds along the trail connecting Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. Directions from the Loop: Take I-55 southwest to Hwy 6 and exit at Canal St. Go 1/2 mile southeast to Story St and then one block west. There are many places along the Canal to park this is just one of the closest to Chicago. MAP