Trail Distance: 10 Miles
Trail Surface: Paved and crushed limestone
Type of Use: Tour
Towns: Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park
County: Cook
Intensity of Use: Heavy
Setting: North Suburban
Connecting Trails: Evanston Lakeshore to the south. Lake Forest/LakeBluff to the north. North Branch to the west.
Directions for parking: Parking is generally available along Green BayRd. and NW Commuter Stations in Wilmette and Kenilworth. You must cross the tracks topick-up the trail.
Trail Map:

Rider's Comments: The Kenilworth portion of this trail allows thebiker the opportunity to jump off the trail and cruise the side streets to observe thecommunities. This trail follows the Chicago and North Western railroad but a fencegenerally protects riders from the tracks. The farther north you ride, the more streetcrossings you encounter and the less interesting the trail becomes. There are a few trickyplaces where the trail seems to end, or jumps onto streets. The general rule of thumb isto stay close to the tracks. You'll pick up the trail again.

John Trznadel:  The Green Bay Trail runs 18 miles from Shorewood Park in Wilmetteto Lake Bluff in Lake County. Built on the former Chicago North Shore MilwaukeeRailway, the Green Bay Trail parallels the MetraNorth Line (C & NW) railroad tracks as well as Green Bay and Sheridan roads.

The 6.2-mile Cook County portion of the trail heading north from Shorewood Park takes youthrough the picturesque North Shore communities of Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka,and Glencoe. The well-maintained trail leads through or near a series of parks, includingShorewood, Sheldon and Veteran's Memorial, as well as several community train stations.

The Green Bay Trail enters Lake County in Highland Park at the Braeside trainstation just south of Ravinia at Lake Cook/County Line Road. Three-quarters of amile from Central Avenue you'll pass Moraine Park. You may want to stop here for drinkingwater, restrooms, picnic areas, and a lovely view of Lake Michigan.

At the stop sign at Deerpath and McKinley roads, you have three pleasant alternatives:Turn left and explore the Market Square shopping area. Or head right on Deerpath Road andride 1 mile to Forest Park to enjoy scenic bluff views of Lake Michigan. You can alsocontinue on the Green Bay Trail, proceeding north through the train station parking areaalong McKinley.

From downtown Lake Forest you have a 1.7-mile ride to downtown Lake Bluff. There are two Yintersections on the trail right before you go over the bridge to the Lake Bluff trainstation. Either of the two paths to the left take you to the west branch of the North Shore PathSovata hotels review. Proceed straight ahead at the LakeBluff train station to continue north on the Green Bay Trail.

There are many restaurants to sample along this trail; you'll also find water fountains,benches, and picnic tables at several of the parks. Most of the community train stationshave restrooms and public telephones.

For Detailed Information Contact:
NIPC
400 W. Madison St.
Chicago, IL 60606
312-454-0400
(Lake County portion of Green Bay Trail only)

Do you have rider comments or new trails?  If so, email bikeillinois@jawa.org
This page was last revised at: Friday, December 17, 1999 05:12:02 PM

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