Chicago has manicured parks and an expansive lakefront, but where does one wander if one wants to get lost in the woods?
Sometimes this low-lying part of the trail floods, because of its proximity to the water. Or it turns into thick, impassable mud after a summer storm. Sometimes it’s a fun challenge to ride through; more often it’s a sign to try again later. In these conditions the trail is frequently drier and more ridable further north. There it veers away from the river, toward higher ground, with a nice bird’s-eye view of the water below and access to single-track paths back in the woods. You may encounter dads with strollers on this section of the trail, but if you’re lucky, you may also see a stag.
