Des Plaines River Trail: State Line to Gurnee

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Des Plaines River Trail: State Line to Gurnee

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 10.0 miles / 16.1 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: Unlike typicall arrow straight rails-to-trails projects, this improved trail offers quiet and fun riding as it meanders lazily to and fro following the Des Plaines River.

The Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway traverses Lake County, Illinois, North to South, over 31 miles as it winds it's way along the Des Plaines River connecting preserves, local parks, and communities.

Following the river's edge, the trails uses bridges and underpasses, making it possible to travel with out crossing any major roads. Except for one small section between West Riverside Drive in Lincolnshire and just north of Estonian Lane, the trail travels over crushed limestone from the Wisconsin-Illinois state line in the north to the Lake-Cook County line in the south where it connects to the Cook County Forest Preserve Trails.

With access to parking via the many parks and preserves it travels through, or the many spurs to parking lots off major roads and it's almost flat elevation profile, this is an ideal outing for families with young or inexperienced riders who should be sheltered from road traffic.

The numerous access opportunities allow for ride lengths for all levels of experience. Over 60m miles of riding, all in Lake County, are possible by doing an out-n-back ride from either the north or south terminus.

Tips: When biking anywhere, always wear a helmet and eye protection.

Be prepared for changing riding surfaces and vehicle, pesdestrian, and bike traffic.

Always follow the rules of the road.

Reflective and brightly colored clothing make you more visible to motorists, pedestrians, and other bikers.

Layered clothing is the best way to regulate your temperature during changing weather conditions and activity level.

Be prepared: make sure your bike is in excellent condition, bring water, snacks, and bike tools

Points of Interest

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Russel Rd Trailhead

The northern terminus of the Des Plaines River Trail at Russell Road is just a stone's throw from the Wisconsin-Ilinois State Line.

There is a small parking lot and a larger area to the west for horse trailer parking. The lot accommodates only a few cars, but it is typically not full. Additional parking can be found further south in the preserve at the Sterling Lake parking lot.

Next to the parking lot there is a small picnic area with a single table and grill. A hand pump provides water.

Des Plaines River Trail Northern Terminus Photo

Hand pump at Russell Road Trailhead Photo

Russell Road Trailhead Picnic Area Photo

Russell Road Trailhead from the West Photo

Russell Road Trailhead from the East Photo

Russell Road Trailhead Parking Lot Photo

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Sterling Lake Loop Trail Junction

The Des Plaines River Trail joins the Sterling Lake Loop trail in a wide intersection.

The Sterling Lake Loop Trail goes around the perimeter of Sterling Lake in a 2.4 mile loop. The loop is bisected by a cut-off trail over a bridge across the narrowest part of the lake directly in the middle.

The Des Plaines River Trail follows the Sterling Lake Loop trail to the left following the Des Plaines River on the east side of Sterling Lake. Following the Sterling Lake Loop trail to the right leads to the Sterling Lake parking lot.

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Des Plaines River Trail Bypass

The Des Plaines River Trail breaks left off of the Sterling Lake Loop trail as it follows the Des Plaines River which veers east. Following the Des Plaines River trail will bypass this section of the Sterling Lake Loop Trail which provides access to the cut-off trail over the bride and can be crowded at times.

The bypass with rejoin the Sterling Lake Loop trail 0.3 miles further south, so either trail will serve travelers continuing their journey to points further south.

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Sterling Lake Loop Trail Junction

The Des Plaines River trail rejoins the Sterling Lake Loop trail from it's diversion 0.3 miles further north.

Des Plaines River Trail rejoins Sterling Lake Loop Trail Photo

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Scenic Overlook Spur

A short spur trail leads to a bench where you can take in a scenic view of Sterling Lake.

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Van Patten Woods Trail Junction

A side trail to the left leads over a bridge and connects to the Van Patten Woods Trail.

The 1.7 mile Van Patten Woods trail travels through wooded areas and meadows before looping back.

Southern Sterling Lake Loop Trail Junction Photo

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Sterling Lake Loop Trail

The trail continues to the left while the Sterling Lake Loop trail veers off to the right.

The Sterling Lake Loop Trail goes around the perimeter of Sterling Lake in a 2.4 mile loop. Following the Sterling Lake Loop trail to the right leads to the Sterling Lake beach and parking lot.

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Forest Preserve Road

The trail crosses Forest Preserve Road.

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Route 173

A small spur trail on the north side of Route 173 leads to some convenience stores at the intersection of Route 173 and Highway 41.

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Restrooms

Just off the trail are pit toilets, a hand pump, and gated emergency access to Highway 41.

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Wadsworth Road

The trail crosses Wadsworth Road.

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Wadsworth Rd. Spur

This spur trail parallels Wadsworth Rd. on the south side and travels west to the Wadsworth Rd. Parking lot.

You can find parking, food, water, and sundries at the many convenience stores and restaurants at the end of this spur.

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Service Road Spur

The trail stays to the left.

The spur trail to the right leads to a service area connected to the south of the Wadsworth Road parking area.

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Highway 41 Emergency Access Spur

The trail goes to the left. The trail to the rigth leads to gated emergency access on Highway 41.

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Canoe Lauch Spur

The trail continues straight.

The spur trail off to the left leads to the canoe launch and parking lot of Wadsworth Road.

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Bridge

A footbridege leds over a tributary to the Des Plaines River.

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Highway 41

A footbrige crossess Highway 41.

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Kilbourne Road

Trail crosses Kilbourne Road

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Kilbourne Road Trailhead

Just off the trail is a parking lot with access from Kilbourne Road.

Kilbourne Road Trailhead from the North Photo

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Old Grand Ave. Spur

Short trail leads to the intersection of Old Grand Ave. and Kilbourn Road.

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Sterling Lake Parking Lot

Additional parking and a hand pump.

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Sterling Lake Preserve Entrance

Entrance to the Sterling Lake Preserve.

Sterling Lake Preserve Entrance from the East Photo

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Wadsworth Road Trailhead

A medium sized gravel parking lot on the southeast corner of the Route 41-Wadsworth Rd intersection. It has a spur trail leading east to the Des Plaines River Trail.

The Route 41-Wadsworth Rd. intersection is populated with gas/convenience stores on 3 of it's four sprawling corners. There are also food available at fast food and restaurants on both eastern corners.

Capt. Porky's is a local favorite BBQ joint as should not be missed. It is on the southeast corner adjacent to the Wadsworth Rd. parking lot.