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Illinois

Illinois

The best running trails in Illinois

4.6

(185)

27,051

runners

1,300

runs

Running in Illinois is one of the best ways to explore more of this region. To help you discover the most beautiful places to run, we’ve reviewed our full collection of routes in Illinois—and are proud to present the best running trails. Click on any of the routes for more details and browse real tips and photos uploaded by other runners.

Last updated: October 22, 2025

4.7

(17)

1,194

runners

1. Riverwalk East to Northerly Island via Lakefront Trail — Chicago

9.38km

00:58

20m

Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.7

(7)

500

runners

2. Maggie Daley Park via Lakefront Trail — Chicago

17.7km

01:49

30m

Expert run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Expert

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3,227

runners

3. Old Town – Chicago Riverwalk loop from Van Buren Street

39.8km

04:06

70m

Expert run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0

(1)

248

runners

4. The Bloomingdale Trail (The 606) — Chicago

9.38km

00:58

Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

221

runners

5. Wilson to North Avenue Beach via Lakefront Trail loop — Chicago

15.7km

01:37

20m

Expert run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0

(1)

180

runners

6. Clark/Division to Belmont Harbor Dog Beach loop via Lakefront Trail— Chicago

11.4km

01:10

20m

Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

174

runners

7. North Avenue Beach to Navy Pier via the Lakefront Trail — Chicago

10.6km

01:05

20m

Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

153

runners

8. Chicago Riverwalk trail

4.85km

00:30

10m

Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.7

(3)

150

runners

9. Waterfall Glen Main Trail loop — Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

16.6km

01:57

80m

Expert run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.9

(15)

120

runners

10. Busse Lake loop via Busse Forest Trail Red Paved — Elk Grove, Illinois

12.8km

01:33

20m

Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Other adventures in Illinois

The Lewis & Clark Trail — Following the Corps of Discovery

Cycling Collection by

oliviakellis

American Discovery Trail — Walking from sea to shining sea

Hiking Collection by

Andrus

The Fox River Trail – A Journey Through Illinois History and Wildlife

Hiking Collection by

oliviakellis

Adventure Cycling Association's Bicycle Route 66 — LA to Chicago

Cycling Collection by

Doubletrackfanatic

American Discovery Trail — Riding coast to coast

Cycling Collection by

mtm05005

Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway — Cycling Along Nature’s Highway

Cycling Collection by

oliviakellis

Des Plaines River Trail & Greenway — From Wetlands to Woods

Hiking Collection by

oliviakellis

The rhythms of the river – road trip along the Mississippi

Hiking Collection by

VisitTheUSA

Most popular routes in Illinois

Road Cycling Routes in Illinois

Cycling in Illinois

Hiking in Illinois

Easy hikes in Illinois

MTB Trails in Illinois

Waterfall hikes in Illinois

Gravel biking in Illinois

Most popular attractions in Illinois

Places to see

Lakes

Natural Monuments

Waterfalls

Bike Parks

Canyons

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The best running trails in Illinois

1. Riverwalk East to Northerly Island via Lakefront Trail — Chicago

2. Maggie Daley Park via Lakefront Trail — Chicago

3. Old Town – Chicago Riverwalk loop from Van Buren Street

4. The Bloomingdale Trail (The 606) — Chicago

5. Wilson to North Avenue Beach via Lakefront Trail loop — Chicago

6. Clark/Division to Belmont Harbor Dog Beach loop via Lakefront Trail— Chicago

7. North Avenue Beach to Navy Pier via the Lakefront Trail — Chicago

8. Chicago Riverwalk trail

9. Waterfall Glen Main Trail loop — Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

10. Busse Lake loop via Busse Forest Trail Red Paved — Elk Grove, Illinois

Other adventures in Illinois

Most popular routes in Illinois

Most popular attractions in Illinois

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