Conserving Nature for Life

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Regional Trails

The Chicago region has a remarkable network of long-distance trails that open our communities to recreation. Whether on land or on the water, utilizing trails is one of the best ways to enjoy our region’s natural landscape, to find peace and solitude, or to share an experience with family and friends!

Openlands has played a key role in developing some of our region’s best-known trails and trail systems. We are the region’s leading advocate for the creation of greenways, such as the Burnham Greenway or the Salt Creek Greenway, and rails-to-trails conversions like the Illinois Prairie Path and the Old Plank Road Trail. The pages below contain maps and information to help you enjoy your time exploring our region’s trails.

Wolf Lake Trails

A variety of trails surround Wolf Lake offering public access and recreational opportunities in the Calumet region.

Grand Illinois Trail

One of the Midwest’s premier bike routes, the Grand Illinois Trail offers nearly 500 miles of pedal-powered discovery and relaxation through northern Illinois’ natural wonders.

Illinois Prairie Path

The Illinois Prairie Path is an exceptional trail system winding through the western Chicago suburbs.

The American Discovery Trail

The American Discovery Trail (ADT) is a 5500 mile trail route across America, linking the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware to Pt. Reyes National Seashore in California.

Greenways

Openlands introduced the vision of a greenways system to our region in 1990 and has since focused on achieving it through policy and planning initiatives, land acquisition, restoration projects, and advocacy.

Founded in 1963, Openlands protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives.