Chicago’s iconic Lakefront Trail is a beloved destination for both residents and visitors seeking outdoor activities. This vibrant path welcomes a diverse group, from daily commuters and marathon trainers to families with strollers and tourists on rented bikes, all enjoying the stunning views and fresh air. Stretching from Ardmore Avenue in the north to 71st Street in the south, the trail offers crucial lake access for recreation and has become a vital active transportation route for many Chicagoans. The trails are open during regular park hours, inviting everyone to experience the beauty of Lake Michigan.
In 2018, a significant improvement project was completed, separating the previously combined 18-mile trail into a dedicated 18-mile Bike Trail and an 18.5-mile Pedestrian Trail. This separation dramatically reduced congestion, creating a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone using Chicago’s beautiful lakefront. This enhancement, along with ongoing trail maintenance, is generously supported by Ken Griffin, ensuring the trail remains a top-notch public amenity.
To help you navigate and fully enjoy this lakeside gem, a comprehensive Chicago Bike Map is essential. Understanding the trail layout, access points, and safety guidelines will enhance your experience, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a first-time visitor.
Lakefront Trail Access Map for Cyclists and Pedestrians
For safe and respectful trail sharing, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the Trail Symbols Guide before heading out. This guide provides important information on trail etiquette and safety signals to ensure a positive experience for all users. View the Lakefront Trails Symbol Guide to prepare for your ride.
To further assist in planning your route, detailed Trail Section Maps are available. These maps offer a bird’s-eye view of different segments of the Lakefront Trail, making it easy to pinpoint your location and explore specific areas. You can access these maps in the table below, broken down by park and trail segment:
| Park | Segment | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Ardmore to Montrose | View Ardmore – Montrose map |
| Lincoln Park | Montrose to Fullerton | View Montrose – Fullerton map |
| Lincoln Park | Fullerton to North | View Fullerton – North map |
| Lincoln Park | North to Oak | View North – Oak map |
| Lincoln Park | Oak to Ohio | View Oak – Ohio map |
| Grant Park | Chicago River to Roosevelt Rd. | View Grant Park map |
| Burnham Park | Roosevelt to 31st St. | View Roosevelt – 31st St. map |
| Burnham Park | 31st to 35th St. | View 31st – 35th St. map |
| Burnham Park | 35th to 41st St. | View 35th – 41st St. map |
| Burnham Park | 41st to 55th St. | View 41st – 55th St. map |
| Jackson Park | 55th to 71st | View 55th to 71st St. map |
The Chicago Park District is committed to the long-term care and improvement of the lakefront. Currently, they are developing a Shoreline Assessment and Strategic Plan to guide future investments in lakefront repair and resilience. You can learn more about these efforts and even view drone footage of the lakefront at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/shoreline-assessment-and-strategic-plan .
Enjoy your ride and exploration of Chicago’s beautiful Lakefront Trail! For any comments or feedback regarding the Lakefront Trail, you can share them here.
