During the summer months one of my favorite things to do is 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. It starts at Devon and Caldwell in the Chicago Edgebrook area and winds north through suburbs, meadows, woods, and along a golf course.
The trail is 20 miles long and is paved in asphalt the whole way. There are occasional parallel dirt horse trails and if you're lucky, you will a horse 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 warily cross the path.
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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 reenergized 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.
