Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Cycling
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The Cal-Sag Trail is a prominent 26-mile (42 km) multi-use recreational path winding through southern Cook County, Illinois, in the United States. This paved trail largely follows the historic Cal-Sag Channel and the Calumet River, connecting fourteen communities from Lemont in the west to the Burnham Greenway near the Indiana border in the east. It serves as a vital link within a vast network of regional trails, including the John Husar I&M Canal Trail, the Major Taylor Trail, and the…
This Highlight goes through a protected area
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Sag Valley Forest Preserve
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10
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33.8km
02:04
100m
100m
58.7km
03:40
150m
150m
85.1km
04:55
320m
320m
Details
Informations
Distance 1.70 km
Uphill 10 m
Downhill 10 m
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The Cal-Sag Trail offers diverse sections, connecting to a vast network of other trails. A popular choice is the western portion, which links with the John Husar I&M Canal Trail in Lemont. The eastern end connects to the Burnham Greenway, and it also integrates with the Major Taylor Trail and the Palos Trail System. For a scenic experience, many enjoy the segments that hug the Cal-Sag Channel, providing waterway views and shade from surrounding forests.
Yes, the Cal-Sag Trail is generally considered very suitable for beginners and those seeking an easy experience. It features a smooth, paved surface and is mostly flat. While some sections may offer gently rolling, tree-lined terrain, the overall difficulty is low, making it ideal for casual cyclists, walkers, and families.
Absolutely. The trail offers unique views of the Cal-Sag Channel, where you can often spot barges and recreational boats. Key natural attractions include the expansive Palos Forest Preserve District, the Sag Quarries Nature Preserve (known for birding and fishing in former stone quarries), and access to the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center and Lake Katherine Nature Center. Many sections are also landscaped with natural grasses and wildflowers, enhancing the scenic beauty.
Parking is available at various access points along the trail's 26-mile length, including near its western end in Lemont and at several forest preserves it traverses. While specific public transport options directly to all trailheads might be limited, some sections may be accessible via local bus routes in the surrounding communities. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for the most convenient access points.
As a popular destination, the Cal-Sag Trail can experience higher visitor numbers, especially on weekends and during pleasant weather. To enjoy a more tranquil experience, planning your visit during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or weekdays, is recommended. Parking lots can fill up quickly during busy times.
Yes, the Cal-Sag Trail is generally dog-friendly. Leashed dogs are typically welcome on multi-use paths in the Cook County Forest Preserves. Always ensure your dog is on a leash, you clean up after them, and they are well-behaved around other trail users.
The Cal-Sag Trail connects fourteen communities and passes by various businesses. Along its length, you can find places for refreshments. While specific cafes, pubs, and accommodation options vary by section, the trail's proximity to towns like Lemont, Palos Heights, and Alsip means you can find a range of amenities nearby. It also connects to three marinas and six nature and forest preserves, which may have facilities.
The diverse natural landscapes along the Cal-Sag Trail, including woodlands, prairies, ravines, lakes, and sloughs, provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Visitors might spot various bird species, small mammals, and aquatic life, especially in areas like the Sag Quarries Nature Preserve and near the Lake Katherine Nature Center.
The Cal-Sag Trail remains accessible in winter. While snow and ice can occur, the trail is suitable for cross-country skiing when there's sufficient snow cover. Hikers and runners can also use the trail, but should be prepared for potentially slippery conditions and dress appropriately for cold weather.
The Cal-Sag Trail is 26 miles long. Its historical significance is deeply tied to the Calumet-Saganashkee Channel, an artificial drainage and shipping canal constructed between 1911 and 1922. This channel was a major engineering feat designed to reverse the flow of the Little Calumet River, diverting sewage away from Lake Michigan to address public health concerns in early 20th-century Chicago. The trail itself was developed more recently, with sections opening between 2015 and 2019, utilizing land donated by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD).