Best Bike Trails In Chicago
Lakefront Trail South
A trip along the lake that's less congested but nonetheless stunning? What a concept! Start at the Lake Front Trail across the street from Buckingham Fountain. Head south (which, by the way is 75 percent less crowded than heading north on the trail). Pass by the Adler Planetarium, ride under the viaduct and get your peddle on. You'll pass a fountain and feel the mist at McCormick Place and the lake is steps away. You can stop for a jet ski paddle board or snack at the beautiful 31st Street Beach. Continue past the 57th Street Beach (be sure to look out for the impressive, historic 63rd St Beach House and continue until you reach the South Shore Culture Club). Stop for a swim or snack. It's an easy and refreshing 16 miles roundtrip.
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If your hamstrings and quadriceps can handle it, this ride ends up at one of the best breweries in the Midwest. The route from Buckingham Fountain to Three Floyds is nice ride just shy of 30 miles each way, or 60 miles round trip. Follow the Lake Front Trail to the southern end. Continue south on the streets following the signs to the Burnham Greenway (which turns into the John Beaniac Greenway) to 112th Street and make a left. Turn right on the Marina Trail, which turns into the Wolf Lake S Trail, then left on 129th Street. Turn right on Sheffield Avenue, left on Hohman Avenue, then left on Sibley Street. Very shortly you'll see the Erie Lackawanna Trail. Take it less than half a mile and turn right onto the Monon Trail. Just past Fisher St. turn left and continue on Fisher to Calumet Avenue and make a right. Use caution on this last little stretch. Turn right on Superior Avenue, and a left onto Indiana Parkway. A few more pedals and look to your right. Congratulations, you've made it to Three Floyds Brewing Company.
Sheridan Road
When the Lakefront Trail ends to the north, Sheridan Road's beautiful paved bike path takes over. (Our expert suggests to Google the route using the bike icon). Pedal north to see the glimmering Bahai'i Temple, check out its lovely gardens and you can continue another mile or so on Sheridan to take a breather in a park. It's important to watch for green Lake Michigan Cycling Tour signs to follow the route and avoid car traffic. If you forge on, you'll eventually meet up with the Greenbay Trail.
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North Shore Channel Trail
Why not launch the ride at On The Route Bicycles shop at 3144 N. Lincoln Ave.? Pick up a bike rental for the day, point it north on Lincoln Avenue and ride for four miles until you hit Western Avenue. Ride for one block on Western, turn left on Lawrence Avenue for 3/4 mile to the North Shore Channel Trail, a 6.5-mile riverside trail that extends north to Green Bay Road and McCormick Boulevard in northern Evanston. It goes through the sculpture park, and you'll pass the Evanston Arboretum where the trail is paved with smooth asphalt. Our expert says, "this trail is wide and safe with easy parking areas to chill or restaurants to chow. Fun, easy for all levels of riding!"
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The nine-mile Greenbay Trail parallels the Metra rail line going north of the city winding through tony towns like Kenilworth, Winnetka and Lake Bluff so area restaurants and parks make for great stops. When you reach Lake Cook Road, the trail turns into the Robert McClory Bike Path. When you see the Lake Bluff Metra Station on your left and Scranton Avenue on your right, you'll be due for a brew. The Lake Bluff Brewing company and a deli are a half-block away to refuel for your ride back. The trail and path are in the wealthier parts of town, so expect both to be well-maintained, but you do have to keep an eye out for signage to stay on the trail.
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