Des Plaines River Trail, recreational trail area through northeastern Illinois
The Des Plaines River Trail is an unpaved path in Illinois that runs alongside the Des Plaines River through forest preserves, oak woodlands, and open fields. The route is mostly flat, making it accessible for both walkers and cyclists, with several entry points spread along its length.
The Des Plaines River was a key route for people in the region for centuries, used for fishing and travel long before the trail existed. Old mill sites and small bridges that remain along the corridor mark how earlier generations lived and worked beside the water.
Locals use the path as a direct connection between their neighborhoods and the green spaces along the river, on foot or by bike. On weekends, the trail draws families, joggers, and dog owners who share the unpaved surface with ease.
The trail is open year-round from sunrise to sunset and can be reached from several parking areas, including Sunset Bridge Meadow, Evans Field, and Schiller Woods. Dogs must be kept on a leash, and visitors are asked to stay on the marked path throughout the route.
Signs of beaver activity appear along the riverbank, where felled trees show that these animals are actively living and working in the area. Spring is a good time to spot migrating birds that stop along the river corridor as they pass through the region.
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