The Grand Illinois Trail is a 535-mile loop trail in northern Illinois. It extends from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi along the northern border of Illinois.  The trail then loops back across the state along the Illinois River and the Hennepin Canal. Approximately 200 miles is on paved township and county roads while the rest is on limestone trails or paths.

Ride Illinois and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources partnered to produce our downloadable Grand Illinois Trail Guide to help promote the use of the beautiful long distance bicycle routes in our state.

The guide divides the trail into ten segments, each with a map and “clockwise”-oriented cue sheet for directions and local features to enjoy. You’ll find nearby accommodations including lodging, camping, food, and bike repair. Detailed maps guide you through areas with many turns.

Download Ride Illinois’ Grand Illinois Trail Guide

(See Grand Illinois Trail Segments below for RideWithGPS map links of the segments. * means the segment’s route has been updated since the last edition of the guide, including the area around Harvard.)