Rails to trails is a great program where abandoned railroads are turned into hiking paths. Not only are the tracks given a new purpose, but the resulting hikes are awesome. This is because they often head through incredibly scenic parts of countryside. Such is the case along the Illinois Prairie Path. The Illinois Prairie Path is a network of 61 miles of biking and hiking trails. It is mostly in DuPage County, with some spilling out to Kane County and Cook County. Here’s why you should explore it.

The Illinois Prairie Path has been around since 1963.
Oak Park Cycle Club/Flickr
It used to be the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Electric (CA&E) rail line.
David Wilson/Facebook
It was developed with the help of multiple volunteers, and it is now maintained by DuPage County and numerous townships.
Oak Park Cycle Club/Flickr

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There is a 17 mile main branch of the trail that begins in Wheaton.
Tom Jackson/Wikimedia
There are numerous bridges across this path, many of them providing nice water views.
Oak Park Cycle Club/Facebook
Some of the trails even take you over the old train tracks, making you feel like you are on a train.
lpangelrob/Wikimedia
Whether you walk or hike, this is one of the most unique trails in all of Illinois.
David Wilson/Flickr

Looking to explore some other awesome Illinois trails? Check these out.

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