Comprehensive directory to the top rail-trails throughout Illinois. The top trails are given a full profile, with detailed descriptions of the trails and things to see and do along the way.

Across the country, more than 1600 unused railroad corridors have been converted to level, public, multiuse trails, where people can enjoy a fitness run, a leisurely bike ride, or a stroll with the family. In this updated guide in the popular series, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presents the finest rail-trails plus other great multiuse trails in three Midwestern states. Rail-Trails Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio covers more than 70 trails in the region. Many rail-trails are paved and run through the most scenic parts of towns. Others, such as the 20-mile Sam Vadalabene Great River Road Bike Trail, travel along lush waterways, dramatic bluffs, and steep hills. The Monoon Trail in Indiana highlights the best of midwestern rail-trails by stitching together neighborhoods, recreational facilities, schools, and cultural centers between Indianapolis and Carmel. Rail-Trails Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio lets readers enjoy the serenity of the rural countryside along the Midwest's many great multiuse trails. This full-color book includes succinct descriptions of each trail from start to finish, plus at-a-glance summary information indicating permitted uses, surface type, length, and directions to trailheads for each trail. Every trip has a detailed map that includes start and end points, trailhead, parking, restroom facilities, and other amenities.

They include: Full trail profiles, including length, access points, difficulty rating, and surface type Detailed trail maps At-a-glance icons for easy identification of rail trails that best suit one's interests Information on wheelchair accessibility; availability of parking, rest rooms, and places to eat along the trail; location of ranger stations, visitor's centers and depot museums; and where to rent bikes

Written for the cyclists of all stripes, Best Bikes Rides Near Chicago marks the debut of a new series that offers a diverse array of scenic tours in some of America’s largest urban destinations—from easy excursions for the Sunday cyclist to challenging treks for the veteran. Here, veteran author and cyclist Ted Villaire presents 35 diverse rides in and around the Windy City. As amply demonstrated by this guide, Chicago’s heritage as a transportation hub has reaped huge rewards for local cyclists. Twenty miles of lakeshore parkland and an elaborate system of leafy boulevards connect a series of mega-parks throughout the city. Coupled with this is an ever-expanding cycling infrastructure featuring more than 100 miles of bikes lanes. The Illinois Prairie Path, which runs between the Des Plaines River and Wheaton, was one of the first linear trails in the nation converted from a railroad line—and today it is part of the most extensive collection of rail trails in the Midwest, perhaps the nation.

In this edition in the popular series, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presents the best of the Great Lakes rail-trails, home to the most rail-trails in the country. With 113 rural, suburban, and urban trails threading through nearly 2300 miles, Rail-Trails Midwest: Great Lakes covers Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Many rail-trails are paved and run through the most popular parts of town, such as the 61-mile Illinois Prairie Path, which links Chicago-area suburbs. Others take you back in time for a look at regional history, like Ohio's 11-mile Holmes County Trail. The Midwest has thousands of miles of rail corridor that have been turned into 360 rail-trails in the Great Lakes alone. Every trip has a detailed map that includes start and end points, trailhead, parking, restroom facilities, and other amenities. Many of the level rail-trails are suitable for walking, jogging, bicycling, inline skating, wheelchairs, and horses.

Whether you're looking for a trail for a leisurely stroll, a bike ride with the family, or something a bit more challenging, you'll find it in this comprehensive trail guide highlighting the best, most highly rated trails in Rail-Trails Iowa and Missouri. Many of the trails were converted from unused railroad corridors to become some of the best multiuse rail-trails in the region. In this guidebook, experts from the Rail-to-Trails Conservancy present their list of 58 of the best trails and rail-trails in Iowa and Missouri. Explore the region's history by hitting the Frisco Highline Trail, retracing a 35-mile route of Harry Truman's "Whistlestop" campaign. Readers can also meander along farmlands and forests on the 21-mile T-Bone Trail in Iowa. In addition to details about each trail, Rail-Trails Iowa and Missouri provides information about trail amenities, including restrooms, parking facilities, and water fountains.

Whether you're looking for a trail for a leisurely stroll, a bike ride with the family, or something a bit more challenging, you'll find it in Rail-Trails Michigan and Wisconsin, highlighting the best, most highly rated trails in these two states. Many of the trails were converted from unused railroad corridors to become some of the best multiuse rail-trails in the region. In this guidebook, experts from the Rail-to-Trails Conservancy present their list of 64 of the best trails and rail-trails in Michigan and Wisconsin. Tour Michigan's state capital on the Lansing River Trail, which winds along scenic riverbanks for 8 miles from the campus of Michigan State University to Old Town Lansing. Witness the effects of ancient ice floes on the landscape in Wisconsin along the 52-mile Glacial Drumlin State Trail. See the native tall-grass prairie, explore hardwood forests and waterways, and visit quintessential American small towns along the Midwest's many rail-trails. In addition to details about each trail, Rail-Trails Michigan and Wisconsin also provides information about trail amenities, including restrooms, parking facilities, and water fountains.

Best Rail Trails Illinois is the complete guide to walking, jogging, biking, and cross-country skiing more than forty of the most popular rail trails in Illinois. Written by an author with expert knowledge of the Prairie State, this easy-to-use book provides mile-by-mile descriptions of the top rural and urban rail trails—from the Chicago area’s Prairie Path, one of America’s first rail trails, to trails in the St. Louis area and those set in the breathtaking beauty of the Shawnee National Forest, as well as numerous other urban, suburban, and rural rail trails statewide. Look inside to find: • Full trail profiles, including length, access points, difficulty rating, and surface type • Detailed trail maps • At-a-glance icons for easy identification of rail trails that best suit one’s interests • Information on wheelchair accessibility, parking, restrooms, where to rent bikes, and points of interest along the trail • Location of ranger stations, visitor centers, and depot museums • Local trail support organizations and how to get involved • Directions to each trailhead including public transportation access

It’s Time to Take a Hike in Spectacular Chicago! The best way to experience Chicagoland is by hiking it! Get outdoors with Illinois author Ted Villaire as he helps you find and enjoy the top hikes within 60 miles of the city. A perfect blend of popular trails and hidden gems, the selected trails transport you to scenic overlooks, wildlife hot spots, and historical settings that renew your spirit and recharge your body. Go bird-watching at Goose Lake Prairie. Immerse yourself in history along the I&M Canal Trail. Experience breathtaking views from secluded Lake Michigan beaches. Marvel at the awe-inspiring sand dunes in Northwest Indiana. With a highly accomplished outdoors writer as your guide, you’ll learn about the area and experience nature through 60 of Chicago’s best hikes! Each hike description features key at-a-glance information on distance, difficulty, scenery, traffic, hiking time, and more, so you can quickly and easily learn about each trail. Detailed directions, GPS-based trail maps, and elevation profiles help to ensure that you know where you are and where you’re going. Tips on nearby activities further enhance your enjoyment of every outing. Whether you’re a local looking for new places to explore or a visitor to the area, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Chicago provides plenty of options for a couple hours or a full day of adventure, all within about an hour from Chicago and the surrounding communities.

Carefully researched on foot by avid hiker Ted Villaire, and filled with detailed trail notes, Easy Hikes Close to Home: Chicago helps novice hikers discover their options with concise at-a-glance information. The guide, which is lightweight and extremely easy to carry on the trail, highlights factors such as location, access, directions, distance, and scenery. Included are both newly established trails and older trails ripe for rediscovery.