In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, particularly in the city, it can be hard to find an escape. Getting out in nature allows us to reconnect and reprogram ourselves. This is very possible on the Illinois Prairie Path. Here are a few facts about this great path.

1. Founded in 1963, it was actually North America's first successful rail to trail project.
Oak Park Cycle Club/Flickr
2. 61 miles of railway was converted into this trail, but you can still see rails as you go by.
Ryan Afflerbaugh/Flickr
3. It spans from DuPage to Kane to Cook Counties.
Ryan Afflerbaugh/Flickr
4. It runs through forested neighborhoods, wetlands and patches of prairie.
Ryan Afflerbaugh/Flickr

Related Stories

This Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Hike In All Of Illinois

This Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Hike In All Of Illinois

 You’ve Never Experienced Anything Like This Epic Abandoned Railroad Hike In Illinois

You’ve Never Experienced Anything Like This Epic Abandoned Railroad Hike In Illinois

 The Haunted Hike In Illinois That Will Send You Running For The Hills

The Haunted Hike In Illinois That Will Send You Running For The Hills
5. What you have is a well-maintained, manicured trail.
Daniel X. O'Neil/Flickr
6. There are prairie remnants, which are kept intact.
Eyan Afflerbaugh.Flickr
7. A few bridges are on this trail: one over a railroad, and the other, seen here, over the Des Plaines River.
Oak Park Cycle Club/Flickr
8. You can pick from three branches (Main, Aurora and Elgin), but whichever you pick, you will have a beautiful walk or bike ride.
Daniel X. O'Neill/Flickr

Looking for more incredible trails? Check out this list.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Illinois