Des Plaines River Trail

While the entire 55-56 mile trail offers diverse scenery, many visitors particularly enjoy the sections that wind through the northern Lake County forest preserves, such as Van Patten Woods and Captain Daniel Wright Woods. These areas often feature wider floodplains, prairies, and savannas. The trail's varied ecosystems, from woodlands to wetlands, ensure scenic views throughout its length, with the northern parts often highlighted for their expansive natural beauty.

Yes, many sections of the Des Plaines River Trail are very family-friendly. The trail's generally flat terrain and varied surfaces (crushed stone, gravel, and some asphalt) make it accessible for strollers with robust wheels and younger cyclists. Numerous forest preserves along the trail offer amenities like picnic areas and restrooms, providing convenient spots for breaks. For families, choosing shorter, well-maintained segments within a forest preserve can offer an enjoyable outing.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the Des Plaines River Trail, provided they are kept on a leash. It's a popular spot for dog walkers and runners. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help maintain the trail's natural beauty and cleanliness for all users.

The Des Plaines River Trail offers numerous access points and parking areas within the many forest preserves it connects across Lake and Cook Counties. Popular trailheads with parking can be found at locations like Van Patten Woods in Wadsworth, Independence Grove in Libertyville, and various preserves along the route in communities such as Gurnee, Mettawa, and River Grove. It's advisable to check specific forest preserve websites for detailed parking information and availability, especially during peak times.

The Des Plaines River Trail stands out among Chicago-area trails due to its exceptional length (55-56 miles), continuous natural corridor, and diverse ecosystems. Unlike some urban trails, it offers a more immersive natural experience, winding through prairies, savannas, wetlands, and woodlands. Its unpaved nature (predominantly crushed stone/gravel) also differentiates it from many paved city trails, making it ideal for those seeking a more rustic outdoor adventure for hiking, cycling, and trail running.

The Des Plaines River Trail is a rich wildlife corridor. Visitors frequently spot a variety of animals adapted to river life and diverse habitats. Common sightings include beavers, muskrats, turtles, and various bird species such as herons, egrets, and waterfowl. It's also an excellent spot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons, and for observing wildflowers and native plant species throughout the year.

While the trail's surface is predominantly crushed stone or gravel, which can be challenging for standard wheelchairs, some sections may be more accessible. The asphalt portions and wider, well-maintained gravel paths within certain forest preserves might offer better accessibility. It's recommended to check with individual forest preserve districts for specific information on accessible trail segments and facilities, as conditions can vary.

During winter, the Des Plaines River Trail transforms into a scenic snowy landscape. Many sections remain open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. In some northern sections, specifically between Russell Road and Wadsworth Road, limited snowmobiling is also permitted. Be aware that underpasses can be prone to flooding and icing, so checking trail conditions before heading out is always a good idea.

The Des Plaines River Trail is primarily a linear, point-to-point trail. However, many visitors create their own circular routes by utilizing connecting paths within the numerous forest preserves it traverses, or by cycling/hiking out and back from a chosen trailhead. While there isn't a single designated 'loop' for the entire trail, the extensive network of forest preserve trails offers opportunities to combine sections for varied circular excursions.

Given the trail's varied surfaces (crushed stone, gravel, asphalt, and some single-track) and diverse ecosystems, comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential for hikers. Trail running shoes or hiking boots are recommended. For cyclists, a mountain bike or hybrid bike is ideal due to the unpaved sections. Layered clothing is always a good idea, as conditions can change, and consider bringing insect repellent, especially during warmer months or near wetlands.

The Des Plaines River Trail passes through or near numerous communities, including Gurnee, Libertyville, Wheeling, Des Plaines, and River Grove. While there aren't typically cafes directly on the trail itself, you'll find various dining options, cafes, and convenience stores a short distance from many of the access points and forest preserves. Planning your route and checking local amenities in nearby towns can help you find suitable spots for refreshments.