Trail Distance: 8 miles
Trail Surface: Limestone screenings & packed earth
Type of Use: Tour/leisure & mountain/fat tire
Towns: Zion
County: Lake
Intensity of Use: Heavy
Setting: State Park
Connecting Trails: Zion Parkway
Directions for parking: Parking is available from Wadsworth & 17thStreet.
Trail Map:
NORTH SOUTH
Rider's Comments: Parallels the Lake shoreline from Zion north to theWisconsin State Line. In the middle is Unicom/Commonwealth Edison's Zion nuclearplant. Additional trail development is planned so stay tuned!
The North path runs from Marina to San Pond and to the Railroad tracks on the northside near 7th Street in Winthrop Harbor. The southern unit extends from 29th streetto the Zion Parkway and includes the overlooks.
John Trznadel (jtt892@aol.com):
The Camp Logan area in the North Unit contains the 6.7-mile Marsh Trail (open to bikes)heading east to the beach and north to the Spring Bluff Forest Preserve.
The trail is a mown grass surface through marshland, prairie, and lightly wooded areas,leading to the beach in several spots. In some areas, particularly near North PointMarina, the trail is sandy, so you may have to walk your bike.
hotel rooms MaastrichtThere are four trails over 5 miles in the south unit. Trails are limited to hiking topreserve the native vegetation.
• The Loop Trail is 2.3 miles of crushed gravel, beginning at a black oak forestwhich evolves into a sand prairie as you approach the beach.
• The .2-mile Beach Trail starts on a wood chip pathway through the oak forest, thencrosses a marsh over a wooden bridge. As you enter the sand prairie and approach the beachyou have just traveled through a succession of plant life, from hardy grasses to cattailsto black oak trees.
Manchester hotels• The Oak Ridge Trail is a .6-mile half circle connecting with the Loop Trail. Coolerin the summer due to the cover of the black oak trees, it's also a bit hilly due to theridges.
• The 1.1-mile Dead River Trail starts at the southwest corner of the parking areaand ends at Lake Michigan, paralleling the river for most of the way. Enjoy abundantwildflowers such as milkweeds, shooting stars, and several kinds of gentians (flowers) inspring, late summer and fall.
The interpretive center in the nature preserve has exhibits, restrooms and water. A storenear the beach (open in summer) features food, drinks, souvenirs, and public telephones.
For Detailed Information Contact:
Zion Beach State Park
Zion, IL 60099
847-662-4811
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