Sometimes, it’s just not practical to hike the dirt and gravel paths of which most of Illinois’ woods are comprised. When you want to use your bike or when the ground is wet, these seven paved trails will assist. Kid-friendly and typically wheel-chair-friendly, these are truly for everybody. Check out these marvelous nature adventures:
- Independence Grove Trail Loop
AllTrails/Jim R. This paved trail in Libertyville goes around a 115-acre lake that sits along the Des Plaines River. It is a 2.6-mile loop trail that is surrounded by prairies and woodlands and is great for hiking, biking, and even camping.
- Northbridge/Constitution Trail
AllTrails/Gretchen Janssen This 18.4-mile path is ideal for running and road biking, as well as for dog walking and peaceful strolls. It passes through residential areas and along a creek, offering lovely views that make visiting this place worth your time. Find it in Normal near Bloomington.
- Busse Woods Loop Trail
AllTrails/Eric Qiu Located in the Ned Brown Forest Preserve near Elk Grove, this is one of the most beautiful paved trails in Illinois. Great for camping, hiking, biking, and scenic views, this 7.2-mile pedestrian road is very popular and well used.
- Lincoln Trail: Charleston to Matton
AllTrails/Ovande Furtado Located in the town of Charleston in Central Illinois, this paved road trail is great for hiking, biking, and dog walking. Though paved, the trail is not as easy as the rest due to some hills and uneven ground along the way. Regardless, it is a wonderful 11-mile journey.
- Dear Grove East Red, Black, and Brown Loop
AllTrails/Cameron Servi Just more than seven miles, this loop trail in the Dear Grove Forest Preserve near Palatine is absolutely lovely. Visitors enjoy wild flowers, bridges, benches, wild life, and more.
- Cal Sag Trail
AllTrails/Christie Hester This 15.3-mile road is certainly one of the longest paved trails in Illinois. Located near Palos Heights, it takes travelers by Lake Katherine and the Calumet River. If you enjoy a full day of biking and nature trips, you’ll love this pedestrian road.
- Salt Creek Greenway Trail
AllTrails/Dave Noble Along the Des Plaines Forest Preserve in Brookfield is a 13.6-mile trail that nature lovers can’t get enough of. It situated just north of a zoo and is perfect for all skill levels.
For more great Prairie State hiking, check out these eight trails in Illinois that lead to little-known caves.
AllTrails/Jim R.
This paved trail in Libertyville goes around a 115-acre lake that sits along the Des Plaines River. It is a 2.6-mile loop trail that is surrounded by prairies and woodlands and is great for hiking, biking, and even camping.
AllTrails/Gretchen Janssen
This 18.4-mile path is ideal for running and road biking, as well as for dog walking and peaceful strolls. It passes through residential areas and along a creek, offering lovely views that make visiting this place worth your time. Find it in Normal near Bloomington.
AllTrails/Eric Qiu
Located in the Ned Brown Forest Preserve near Elk Grove, this is one of the most beautiful paved trails in Illinois. Great for camping, hiking, biking, and scenic views, this 7.2-mile pedestrian road is very popular and well used.
AllTrails/Ovande Furtado
Located in the town of Charleston in Central Illinois, this paved road trail is great for hiking, biking, and dog walking. Though paved, the trail is not as easy as the rest due to some hills and uneven ground along the way. Regardless, it is a wonderful 11-mile journey.
AllTrails/Cameron Servi
Just more than seven miles, this loop trail in the Dear Grove Forest Preserve near Palatine is absolutely lovely. Visitors enjoy wild flowers, bridges, benches, wild life, and more.
AllTrails/Christie Hester
This 15.3-mile road is certainly one of the longest paved trails in Illinois. Located near Palos Heights, it takes travelers by Lake Katherine and the Calumet River. If you enjoy a full day of biking and nature trips, you’ll love this pedestrian road.
AllTrails/Dave Noble
Along the Des Plaines Forest Preserve in Brookfield is a 13.6-mile trail that nature lovers can’t get enough of. It situated just north of a zoo and is perfect for all skill levels.
What other paved trails do you love? Share your favorites with us in the comments below!
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