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Bike touring routes & trails

North Shore Channel – North Branch Trail loop from Dempster-Skokie

Bike touring routes & trails

North Shore Channel – North Branch Trail loop from Dempster-Skokie

Moderate

3.5

(25)

69

riders

North Shore Channel – North Branch Trail loop from Dempster-Skokie

03:32

62.3km

100m

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: June 14, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

4.12 km

Skokie North Shore Sculpture Park

Highlight (Segment) • Monument

Pretty straight well maintained bike trail along the channel - combined with the lakefront makes a great roundtrip.

Tip by

2

10.7 km

North Shore Channel

Highlight • Trail

The North Shore Channel, constructed between 1907 and 1910, was originally built to flush sewage from the North Branch of the Chicago River into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Today, the Chicago Deep Tunnel handles most of the sewage. Stretching from Wilmette to the North Branch of the Chicago River in Chicago, the Channel supports fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and has become a popular rowing venue. The North Shore Channel is a walking and biking path that runs along nearly the entire length of the channel, and notable sites include the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park and the Evanston Ecology Center.

Tip by

24.1 km

Bunker North Flatwoods

Forest

4

27.0 km

North Branch Red Paved Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The North Branch Red Trail is an absolute blast. The perfect mix of gravel and paved, mostly in the shade of the woods.

Tip by

35.5 km

Blue Star Memorial Woods Preserve

Nature Reserve

37.2 km

Watersmeet Woods

Forest

7

40.2 km

Skokie Lagoons

Highlight • Lake

Skokie Lagoons are a beautiful lagoon system to the north of Chicago. A nature preserve, the area is rich in plant, bird and animal life, so there are plenty of opportunities to see everything from green herons to snapping turtles.

There's a great cycle trail around the lagoons – the North Branch Trail – and lots of places where you can stop for a picnic and enjoy the views.

Tip by

41.1 km

Skokie Lagoons South

Nature Reserve

9

41.7 km

North Branch Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The North Branch Trail is a 20-mile paved trail that follows the North Branch of the Chicago River. The trail winds through forests and fields, so keep your eye out for wildlife, especially deer.

Tip by

10

44.0 km

Skokie Lagoon 5

Highlight • Lake

Nestled within the north and central sections of Skokie Lagoons, this lagoon is encircled by trails from the North Branch Trail System, providing cyclists with a tranquil and picturesque route. Enjoy a peaceful ride amidst the scenic trails that wind around the lagoon, offering a serene cycling experience.

Tip by

11

45.2 km

North Branch Black Paved Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This is a paved 21.3 mi (34 km) trail from Highland Park to Chicago. It's shared use so look out for other pedestrians and watch your speed. Enjoy the smooth, traffic-free riding!

Tip by

46.4 km

Skokie Lagoon #7

Lake

13

58.5 km

Harms Woods Preserve

Highlight • Forest

This nature preserve has been the subject of years of dedicated restoration efforts. On this side of the river, it's full of unpaved trails great for walking and running, and links into the North Branch Trail. Keep an eye out for spring wildflowers, butterflies, and birds.

Tip by

B

62.3 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

57.3 km

2.62 km

1.53 km

756 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

51.1 km

10.3 km

614 m

327 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

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Today

Monday 6 July

26°C

19°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

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