Centennial Trail – Centennial Trail loop from Willow Springs

Centennial Trail – Centennial Trail loop from Willow Springs

Moderate

2.8

(9)

riders

Centennial Trail – Centennial Trail loop from Willow Springs

02:15

46.8km

120m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 11, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Columbia Woods

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve

Keepataw Reserve

Wood Ridge Forest Preserve

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.44 km

Columbia Woods

Highlight • Forest

Columbia Woods is a forest preserve located near Willow Springs, Illinois, at the western edge of the Cook County Forest Preserves. It offers access to the Chicago Portage National Historic Site and serves as a key entry point to the Des Plaines River Trail and the I&M Canal Trail, making it a popular starting spot for long bike rides or hikes. The preserve features a boat launch for paddlers on the Des Plaines River, as well as shaded picnic areas and quiet wooded paths. While it’s more low-key than other preserves, its location and river access make it a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts.

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17.4 km

Veterans Memorial Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The multi-use Veterans Memorial Trail connects or intersects with a number of other area trails, allowing you to ride, uninterrupted for miles. It also passes through Black Partridge Woods and Wood Ridge Forest Preserves.

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25.7 km

Schneider's Passage Entrance, Centennial Trail – Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve

Highlight • Rest Area

There is seating, restrooms, parking, and bike tools located at this highlight. It is a good place to break between Joliet and Sag Quarries.

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30.5 km

Centennial Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

This is a paved 30-mile (48 km) bike trail that traces a former railway line through Snohomish and Skagit county. You ride through beautiful scenery – green farmland, creeks and rivers frame your ride. The trail is shared use so be mindful of pedestrians. Near Arlington, you can connect to the Whitehorse Trail to extend your ride.

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36.1 km

Centennial Trail: Lemont to Willow Springs

Highlight • Cycleway

This section of the Centennial Trail takes you from Lemont to Willow Springs and passes through Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The path passes through a treelined, green landscape and is a very relaxing place to ride.

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37.9 km

Centennial Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The centennial trail follows both the des Plaines river and also the Chicago Sanitary and ship Canal. These two green lines allow you to get to the city center avoiding the traffic.

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