Great Western Trail – Fox River Trail (FRT) loop from Elgin

Bike touring routes & trails

Great Western Trail – Fox River Trail (FRT) loop from Elgin

Moderate

4.8

(7170)

10,485

riders

Great Western Trail – Fox River Trail (FRT) loop from Elgin

03:37

58.0km

190m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 8, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

James "Pate" Philip State Park

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

8.81 km

Illinois Prairie Path (Elgin Branch)

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Once a right-of-way for the Chicago Aurora & Elgin Railroad, the Illinois Prairie Path now runs for about 61 miles. Its surface is mostly crushed limestone dust, which should be …

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19.3 km

Great Western Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Once the railbed of the Chicago Great Western Railroad, the Great Western Trail is now a lovely, mostly flat ride on a surface of crushed limestone dust.

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24.6 km

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve

Nature Reserve

38.4 km

Riverside Park (Buie Park)

Highlight • Rest Area

This park sits at the juncture of the Fox River Trail (which runs north and south along the river) and a spur of the long-distance Illinois Prairie Path, which you …

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39.5 km

Fox River Trail (FRT)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This paved trail winds along the Fox River, providing a stunning view of the water, with plenty of break points along the way. French explorers, missionaries, and traders built their …

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44.5 km

Forest Path in Andersen Woods Forest Preserve

Highlight • Trail

The Fox River's watershed is filled with forest preserves, being the Andersen Woods Forest Preserve, one of them. The 25 miles Fox River Trail is the best way to immerse yourself into this natural environment.

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45.3 km

Norton Woods

Highlight • Forest

As you approach the Red Gate Trail intersection with the Fox River Trail by Norton Creek as it flows into the Fox River, you cross Norton Woods. Near Fox River …

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45.7 km

Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve

Nature Reserve

48.4 km

Bridge over Fox River

Highlight • Bridge

Nice wooden bridge over the Fox River. You get great views of the water, so it's worth stopping briefly to enjoy the view.

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49.3 km

Fox River Trail (railway bridge view)

Highlight • Bridge

The reflection of the classic stone brick railway bridge on the Fox River on a still day is beautiful, with a backdrop of green mixed trees. A lovely spot to …

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