Things to Do around Chicago
Chicago, a region in Illinois, offers a diverse landscape for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its extensive green spaces, vast Lake Michigan waterfront, and accessible natural areas, the area provides varied terrain for outdoor pursuits. The region's flat topography is particularly well-suited for activities such as cycling, while its numerous parks and forest preserves offer opportunities for hiking and jogging. These features make Chicago a destination for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, touring cycling, and more.
Things to Do…
147
Routes
4.6
(552)
Average rating
16404
People visited
4.6
(18)
1,316
runners
9.38km
00:58
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4,501
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
581
runners
17.7km
01:49
30m
30m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
264
runners
9.38km
00:58
10m
0m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(45)
702
riders
30.4km
01:16
40m
40m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.4
(5)
392
riders
75.4km
03:11
140m
140m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
243
riders
76.5km
03:06
150m
150m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
111
riders
67.0km
02:42
90m
90m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
28
hikers
2.95km
00:45
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
16
hikers
4.54km
01:08
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
14
hikers
4.03km
01:01
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
4.91km
01:15
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.9
(27)
438
riders
42.3km
02:24
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(20)
280
riders
25.1km
01:26
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(8)
182
riders
18.3km
01:02
30m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
19
riders
93.3km
05:22
130m
130m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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25
riders
59.4km
02:56
90m
90m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.43km
00:19
10m
10m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
8.63km
00:28
0m
0m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
11.6km
00:34
10m
10m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(19)
38
riders
39.4km
02:50
60m
60m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
24
riders
46.1km
03:18
70m
70m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
25
riders
54.8km
03:32
80m
80m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
riders
48.4km
02:30
130m
130m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Chicago?
Chicago offers a diverse range of outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, road cycling, touring cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking. The region features over 900 routes, with an average rating of 4.67 stars from more than 48,000 visitors.
What are the most popular hiking trails in Chicago?
The Cook County Forest Preserves offer extensive trails for immersive nature experiences. Iconic urban paths like the Lakefront Trail and The 606 also provide walking and jogging opportunities. For more details, refer to the Hiking around Chicago guide.
Are there easy hiking trails in Chicago?
Chicago provides numerous accessible paths suitable for easy hikes. The Easy hikes around Chicago guide lists several options. Many urban parks and sections of the Lakefront Trail are also suitable for beginners.
Where can one find road cycling routes in Chicago?
The Lakefront Trail is a prominent 18.5-mile (29.8 km) paved path along Lake Michigan, ideal for road cycling. The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail) offers a unique 2.7-mile (4.3 km) elevated urban cycling experience. More routes are detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Chicago guide.
Are there mountain biking trails in Chicago?
Yes, Chicago has options for mountain biking. The region's terrain includes areas suitable for off-road cycling. Consult the MTB Trails around Chicago guide for specific routes and locations.
What are the best places for jogging in Chicago?
The Lakefront Trail is a popular choice for jogging, offering scenic views along Lake Michigan. Many of Chicago's extensive parks, such as Lincoln Park and Grant Park, also provide ample space for running. The Running Trails around Chicago guide offers additional options.
Are there family-friendly outdoor options in Chicago?
Chicago's extensive park system and paved trails like the Lakefront Trail and The 606 are suitable for families. Many routes within the Cook County Forest Preserves also offer accessible and less strenuous paths. These areas often feature amenities like playgrounds and picnic spots.
What natural features can be seen on Chicago trails?
Trails in Chicago offer diverse natural features, including views of Lake Michigan, urban greenways, and extensive forest preserves. Areas like the Skokie Lagoons feature wetlands and savannas, while Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie offers prairie landscapes and bison sightings.
How popular is Chicago for outdoor activities on komoot?
Chicago is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 48,000 visitors having explored its routes. The region features over 900 routes across various sports, maintaining an average rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars.
What komoot guides are available for Chicago?
Komoot offers several guides for Chicago, including Hiking around Chicago, Easy hikes around Chicago, Running Trails around Chicago, and Road Cycling Routes around Chicago. Guides for general cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking are also available.
What is the official website for Chicago city information?
The official website for general Chicago city information is chicago.gov. For tourism-specific information, Choose Chicago is the official tourism site.
How can one contact the City of Chicago for general inquiries?
For general inquiries, the City of Chicago can be contacted by phone at +1-312-744-5000. This number provides access to various city services and information.
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