UPDATED 2019
The North Branch Trail in
Cook County IL
During the summer months, I love to bike the North Branch Trail south from Winnetka to Chicago. It's wide, well-maintained, and has some interesting scenery along the way, with just a few large streets to cross.
The North Branch Trail winds along the north branch of the Chicago River. At the north end, it starts at the Chicago Botanic Garden and winds south through suburbs, meadows, and forests, alongside the golf courses. The southern end is at Devon and Caldwell in the Chicago area of Edgebrook.
The trail is 20 miles long and is paved with asphalt the whole way. There are occasional parallel dirt horse trails and if you're lucky, you will see them clomping along. If you're on the trail early or late, deer are often foraging in the woods. Just once, very early, I saw a coyote cross the path.
If you are biking north, the trail ends at the Chicago Botanic Garden and you can park your bike for free and avoid parking costs. Spend a few glorious hours at the gardens walking and getting those kinks out of your legs. You'll feel re-energized and be ready to head home on the North Branch Trail.
For more information and to see an interactive map, please go to North Branch Trail.
For information on a similar trail to the east, please go to Green Bay Trail
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