The recreational cyclist, jogger, walker, or rollerblader will find the Lakefront Path to be both heaven & hell. Heaven because you can traverse most of the north, south, and central lakefront with few interruptions & limited encounters with auto traffic. And you'll be generally surrounded by the most beautiful scenery in the city along almost all of the trail. Hell because there will always be other folks on the path who will annoy you by not moving at the same pace that you find ideal. And those folks will almost surely be equally annoyed by you. I think the only way to keep the maximum number of path users happy over the long run will be to expand the paved trail to two lanes in each direction, with a wide gravel path on either side for joggers and walkers. After an expansion of that scale, the lakefont path may end up looking like a mini version of Lake Shore Drive, but what other way would there to be to allow everyone to enjoy the path in their own way? And my own personal opinion of those multi-person rented pedal vehicles - moving vehicles which take up that much space really have no business on the path. Whoever is renting those things out should point tourists to a LSD entrance ramp instead & just advise them to pedal really hard & fast ;-) read more

Take a look at this mother of all bike paths on Google maps. Holy Cow! That is a beautiful water front. Riding, Running, Oak Street Beach Sunning, Girl (guy) watching, Zoo Going,Strolling, Getting to that restaurant 6 miles from your hotel on a bike faster than your weenie car driving friends, glorious pav'd path. Ride far North and deep South. Get some Aerobars. We Californians think Aerobars are for Trigeeks, ho-dads and kooks: not so here on the windy waterfront - Aero is de rigueur. Oh yeah, get off your bike and swim a mile along the path: the water is perfect for swimming in the Summer - way more friendly than Aquatic Park in San Clam's Disco. Here's the rub, amigos: just like anywhere a person heading north crosses the path of one heading south the best course is to stay well to your right. The more narrow the path the more valid this simple, courteous rule. If you're walking or traveling slowly stay way right. You may have to walk behind your friends to keep the path open. Give the speedie folks and your dopple-traveler plenty of room. If you get wacked or scolded for ambling around in the middle of the path you probably deserve it. Those girls down on their aero-bars are rolling somewhere north of 20 mph and some ubermen are hitting 30. Allow them their sport you selfish terrain hogging wobbler. The Lakefront path and the Lakefront Park are a big part of what makes this America's best city in the Summer. Chummy, cheery, congenial Chicagoans are deservedly proud of this park and path. read more

The Lakefront path is often my route to work. It's just so beautiful and it makes me happy to be in this wonderful city. My favorite part is when I get the Fullerton bend and then down a little incline and I'm going nice and fast and then BAM! there's the city. It makes me happy every morning that I see it. I've actually never tried biking here on a weekend, but the sunny afternoons are kind of crowded and treachorous. Just today I almost killed a baby when her dad was carrying here and almost walked right in front of me and didn't even look. People do need to learn some ettiquette.....and survival instincts. However, these people are usually only out in sunny weather. When it rains, is cold or windy, we crazy people have the path to ourselves. I really can't begrudge the silly people their 4 months of fun. The mornings (before 8 am) are a great time to use this path. The sun will be shining and the only people out know how to use a multi-use trail....also it's a great ride to work. What a great amenity for Chicago to offer its people! read more

I am an avid user of the path and it is a classic love/hate relationship we share. I love the path for its convenience. Living off of Foster and Sheridan, I am a mere block away from the path. It is also a fantastic mode of transportation. I used to rollerblade from Irving Park to Jackson in 45 minutes...about 10 minutes faster than my morning commute on the #148 bus. It is manicured well and the scenery can't be beat. I also highly recommend this as a people watching spot. The hate part comes from the crowds (especially between Irving Park and Belmont). There are always people who take up the entire path, making it difficult to pass. There are also a few rough spots along the path that make it unfriendly to rollerblading and cycling. All in all, not a bad place to spend some time and it got me through my first round of marathon training, thanks to the water fountains spread along the way. Just be courteous to your fellow path dwellers and we'll all give it a 5 star rating! read more

A review by a fellow yelp, Karen W., inspired me to pitch in my two cents regarding the lakefront path. Pros: Obviously, it's beautiful, it's well-maintained, it's free to all. Cons: Over-crowding. Dude's on $4,000 LeMond bikes trying to go 40MPH straight down the middle of the path. Considering 40MPH is illegal speed for cars in the streets, there is no way it should be legal or allowable for people to attempt to ride there racing bikes at top speed down the path, when it has to be shared by so many people. Their right to do so or not, common sense should tell you that when the path fills up, you shouldnt' even attempt it. I don't know the alternatives you have, if you want to go top speed, but on the stretch between Belmont and North Avenue, it just can't be done. Also, You can't listen to your ipod or answer your cell if your on your bike either, you're moving too fast, there can't be any distractions, and helmets need to be the law. OK that's just my unorganized two cents. read more

I moved to Chicago last November, and spent the whole winter indoors. Starting two weeks ago it began to get warm enough for me to venture outdoors, and I AM SO GLAD I DID!!! I decided to give my new bike a spin, and took it on an adventure down the Lakefront Path. I HAD SO MUCH FUN! Even though I was by myself, I felt like I was a part of this bigger community of people all enjoying the same thing. This path made me very happy. I moved here from Toledo, OH where our downtown path is UNSAFE (to say the least). I remember telling people in toledo that I rode on the downtown path there, and they would say things like "they have found dead bodies there," and "don't ride there alone, you will get mugged!" Luckily neither of those things happened to me on the Toledo path, but I will say that I NEVER saw another person using it... such a complete difference from the Lakefront Path here in Chicago! I feel so lucky to live so close to this path! I hope the native Chicagoans realize how special this amenity is! :) read more

The good news about the lakefront path: Keep riding or jogging south of the beaches and Navy Pier and it really opens up. All the sunbathers, volleyball players, and tourists are loathe to journey to the dreaded "South Side" so once you pass McCormick Place the path is yours to enjoy. Take it down to La Rabida, stop and have a drink of water, turn around, and ride home. Just be aware that the path will always - forever - be clogged between Oak Street and Belmont, or thereabouts. read more

Screw you, Lakefront Path for dashing all of my attempts to maintain a structured running pace. I map out my distance, check my speed and heart rate, bring myself to that target and then you go and send a beautiful, shirtless man running by, knowing full well that my instincts will take over and I will try and catch him while simultaneously trying to maintain composure during my run. That is why I am there, remember? Then you taunt me YET AGAIN by sending more shirtless wonders whizzing by at a rapidly increased speed by sticking them on rollerblades and bikes. By the time I get through half of my run I am a wheezing, sweaty, foul-mouthed, shell of a human being with her heart on the verge of exploding. So much for my self control. See you again tomorrow, you evil bastard. On a more serious note, I agree that there should be some sort of lane designation or a widened path to accommodate for runners/walkers and our friends on wheels. Or at the very least, post the rules of etiquette at the path entrances. read more

I will admit, before I started training for the marathon, I was a complete skeptic. I was afraid the lakefront path was full of wannabes working on their tans while strolling and texting on their phones. There definitely are too many people (in my opinion - it's a workout, not a place to strut your new outfit) wanting to be seen on the path.... But good news - there has really only been one girl who I swear thought it was Miami Vice day - complete outfit consisting of undies, teased hair, and rollerblades. I almost doubled over laughing, so thanks. I am a major, major fan of all of the drinking fountains. That's really the reason I run here. In addition, the new stretch of path where it has the sponge-y new "road" - heaven on my knees after three knee surgeries. I only wish the whole path was that way. read more

Great for eye candy. I walk or run for miles basically starting at good looking men.. and women, if that's your thing. Just be careful. Staring intensely at a good looking body can lead to bikes hitting you... not that that has happened to me or anything.. read more

Concur with the suggestion about getting out there early in summer, although it's really only south of Addison that it gets crowded. I live just north of the northern end, and the ride from Ardmore down to Irving Park is almost always clear. Beware of the automobile drivers who refuse to stop for bikes at the crossings at Foster and Montrose, however. And once you get past the Shedd Aquarium going south, it opens up again. On a nice spring day, the ride from the north end to the Museum of Science and Industry, about 33 miles roundtrip, is amazing. Stop and have lunch at Bar Louie in Hyde Park, just off the bike path. read more

The lakefront path in the summer can't be beat! The convenience of having free weekday parking on Recreation Ave. saves a lot of headaches and drama. I love parking my car, jumping out and hit the path running. The path is much more friendly during the day, as the afternoon crowd brings out the bikers and roller bladers. These people have very little respect for runners and people talking a walk along the path. If you don't move fast, they will run you over. Period. There are also tons of things to do along the path. Right at Irving Park and the path, there are several tennis courts and softball fields. My lady and I watched an intense softball game after completing a 2.5 mile run last night. These guys were really, really good. It was fun watching competitive softball, sitting in the grass and just straight-up chillin'. Makes me love the city that much more, and appreciate how well Mayor Daley has preserved the Chicago Lakefront. I usually stop running around the North Ave beach, and then head back. The congestion around that area is too much. If you are into huge crowds and volleyball games, then hit North Ave. If not, turn around and head back North. And have no fear about the Southside path, it's not dangerous at all. I used to park my car in the 35th street lot and run to the Shedd. I never had any problems at all, even at night. When there is a concert at Northerly Island, you can run down to the pier and listen to the concert for free. I did that a few times last year, good times!! read more

I LOVE this trail. You get some of the best skyline views in the city from this path. I love the length and the width. My only complaint is the slanted angle the path takes by Oak Street Beach. The angle makes it hard to ride on, especially when we have our kids with us and have to ride slower. The crowds on weekends are annoying sometimes, but what can you do?? I'm not the only person that loves this path. read more

I really love the lakefront path. Like really. I've started marathon training so every Saturday, at 630, my ass will be there training for most likely one of the hardest things I will ever achieve. People are fairly good about lakefront path etiquette. Runners tend to run two by two, as they should, and other runners and bikers are good about announcing their presence. I do think some of the bikers need to slow it on down instead of whizzing past us, because that gets dangerous, but that is my only piece of criticism. Which really has nothing to do with the lakefront path itself. I just love how friendly everyone is on the path. Exchanging hellos and good mornings, cheering on large groups as they shimmy on past. It's a great culture of running, and I am looking forward to getting to know this path QUITE well over the coming months. read more

Over 18 miles of road to bike, run or walk. The lakefront trail is one of the many reasons why residents and visitors rave about Chicago. I love running along the trail, taking in Lake Michigan, saying hello to the Canadian geese that spend their summers and simply people watching. The best views and pictures of the Chicago skyline is near the Adler Planetarium. Look for me running on the trail and smiling taking in the beauty of our city. read more

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The Chicago Lakefront Path is a beautiful promenade next to the harbor. This walkway affords great views of Lake Michigan, as well as Chicago's skyline. We visited on a clear day (thankfully the fog cleared up in the afternoon!) and truly enjoyed our walk here. The view was truly magnificent. My only qualm with this walkway is the amount of goose feces that littered it. I'm not sure if there is something the city could do to make the area more clean? I love geese and all animals, but the walkway was not as appealing with that amount of goose fecal matter strewn along it. Other than that, it's a great trail to walk or bike along. read more

The Lakefront Path is one of the best things about living in Chicago. If you want to coast without tripping over a pair of LincolnPark Mom's pushing their strollers side by side, stay north of Belmont or south of Museum Campus. If you see rollerbladers: speed up and aim for the knees. read more

This is the best part of Chicago. The only thing that could make it better is if it went all the way to Evanston. (Note to the people in high-rises on Sheridan: you are not entitled to a lakefront property- nobody else in Chicago is and you aren't that special.) Special note to Rollerbladers: you take up the entire lane and you aren't moving as fast as you think you are. If you take off your headphones or get off the phone, you will hear the accidents and personal injury you are causing. read more

ON YOUR LEFT! It's not Chicago without the Lakefront Trail. This was practically my whole summer, on my handy Schwinn road bike. If your looking to go fast for those who cycle, I'd recommend going south of McCormick Place, as its not as populated as the north side. And going south has this neat little hill which I love climbing as I'm trying to get in the top 10 on Strava on it ... read more

Oh man...the lake front trail, for those of us who have spent a good amount of years in the Windy City and moved in search of better weather, I totally wish I could find something even remotely similar to this anywhere else in the US. We have ridden many miles on this trail, jogged, walked and roller bladed. With the Mandatory stops in Oak street beach to chill or North Beach to watch the volleyball games and even play in a few matches. I spend a good deal of the 90's traveling up and down this trail, and I will travel again - soon ! read more

Come in the winter, and you get to walk on water, or at least it looks like it since the waves have frozen a thick layer over the cement. Come in the height of summer and you will dodge mothers with strollers, intense bikers, wandering tourists, and shirtless runners. My favorite times of the year for the lakefront path are spring and fall, when the path is open but the crowds are a little less thick. I learned to rollarblade here, and I've never had so much fun exercizing in my life. Being near the lakefround helps me avoid the claustrophobic dirty-city mentality. Every time I get out with the wind on my face and the sound of waves, I remember why I LOVE this city. At night when the crowds are down, walked to the lighthouse at North Ave. beach is awesome. Rollarblading down to the path by Shedd Aquarium affords you the best view of Chicago that you can find. I used to stop and take pictures of the rumpled men concentrating on their games at the Chess Pavilion. Dallas has nothing like this. I miss it dreadfully. read more

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful aspects of Chicago is the lakefront. The lakefront is capable of filling any void you may currently have in your day. With so many different levels to its beauty, the Chicago Lakefront Path is open for your utilization. So what does the lakefront have to offer? Well, here's a few ideas: -Running -Fitness (yoga, frisbee, any casual acitivty) -Peaceful walks -Romantic walks -Afternoon picnics -Reading peacefully -Beach! -Artistic inspiration -Festivals The list can go on, but you get the point: the Chicago lakefront path is full of laughter and romance, peace and tranquility, thought and inspiration. With its ever-imposing beauty, it keeps me at ease in the most simplistic and nonchalant manner. **Everyone has a reason why they never stray from home, and the lakefront will always be part of the anchor that keeps me in Chicago. read more

My friends and I rode our bikes on this path. If I lived in Chicago, I would run/bike/take walks on it all the time. It's nice to have a route just for this purpose, and the view is killer. The trail is pretty long but you can start and stop wherever and not be worried about getting tired in an area that's not close to the city. It's also not hilly (or at least the part I was on) so I enjoyed not dying on my ride. But seriously, the views of the skyline as you go south on this trail are gorgeous. I'm sure it's nice going north too, but I only had time to do part of the trail unfortunately. read more

Chicago Lakefront Trail - View looking North of the Chicago skyline from around the museum campus area of the trail - Hiking Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

come for the lake, stay for the trail. This is a weekly excursion for me. Being within a few blocks of the Foster Avenue on-ramp makes this a perfect spot for bike rides. Beware of Tour de France entrants who have lost their way, but most are respectful and try not to run over unassuming pedestrians. I would recommend however not walking in a straight line across the lane... single file or off to the side is more appropriate. The waves crash against the lighthouse breakwall, the fog overhead, blurring the tops of the buildings down the shore. Flag footballers to the left, tennis on the right, walkers, runners, bikers, roller bladders all share the path that link lake to city, unbridled nature to rigid structures. read more

We are so fortunate in Chicago to have such a great trail along the lakefront. The lakefront path definitely deserves 5 stars, but the reason I can't give that is because it gets so crowded that it can sometimes become outright dangerous. It's awesome once you get south of the museum campus, but especially the area north of Navy Pier is not suitable for bikers, runners, rollerbladers, etc. all at the same time. I rode my bike there once, and never again. Just as others have pointed out, it's not safe because too many people are completely unaware of what they're doing (crossing the path without looking, swerving across lanes, etc.) and too many people are going way too fast in crowded sections of the path. Bottom line: This trail is great, but for cycling it's just not suitable until you go waaay south. read more

Yes, I am obsessed with the Lakefront Path, whether running, walking, or biking. However, I do wish that some of the bikers who go INSANELY fast would consider the safety of those around them a little more. I mean, come on-- this isn't a triathlon here. Maybe slow it down... just a little? Other than that, this path is probably the main reason I refuse to move from this side of town. Love it. read more

I LOVE the Lakefront Path. I bike on a semi regular basis and a majority of my miles are spent on the Lakefront path. I've been up and down the path from Hollywood to Hyde Park and I can confidently say it is one of Chicago's best assets. PROS Great way to see the city Great way to get exercise Great people watching Connects lots of different neighborhoods CONS Can get crowded in certain spots on the North Side read more

The Chicago Lakefront Path is what people mean when they say: "The best things in life are free!" This lakefront path might just be the second-best thing about living in Chicago. The first, of course, are the people. But the lakefront is just breathtaking, and there is simply no better venue to get in a workout than being right in between beautiful architecture and beautiful waters. read more

I am a water person so being on the lake helps calm me after a stressful day....And I really like Roller blading on it. I try not to come on the weekends because people in masses are lets say not smart! Every few evenings, I go for a blade....not right at 5 because than everyone is crazy. Its too crowded And you really can't go... I'm a big fan of the the double loop...Belmont to division and back again... The water is fabulous to watch too. It's always an interesting color...It's absolutely amazing to me that it can change from Gray to Turquoise... read more

I love the Lakefront Trail, it's probably my favorite place to be in the summer. The sheer amount of cool stuff happening along the lake is awesome. Concerts, kites, cookouts, biking, museums, fishing, jet skis, fireworks, family reunions, golf courses and beautiful views - It doesn't seem like there should be a place on earth with so much cool stuff, but here it is right here in Chicago. If you live even close to it you have to take advantage while the weather is good. Two personal thoughts: first, I know a lot of people hear "south side" and figure they want nothing to do with it, but the south part of the trail really is the best. It's less crowded and the views are unbelievable. Burnham park, Jackson Park Golf Course, Promontory Point and the Cultural Center are some of coolest spots on the trail. Secondly, if you do go please be mindful of everyone's safety. The trail can get crowded with runners, walkers and bikers. No one wants to have a nice day ruined by an accident. If you're walking please stay to the right and don't block off the trail. If you're riding let people know you're about to pass and watch out for vulnerable pedestrians. read more

Anyone who is touring Chicago should plan to bike down the Lakefront path. You will have amazing views of the city, and if you have it in you, can bike from the north around Loyola ALL the way to the south end to the Planetarium with a Divvy. It should take about 60-90 minutes to do so and you can grab a Divvy for $10 (just need to check it in every 30 minutes which is annoying). If you do plan to ride a bike, MAKE SURE you right on the RIGHT side of the entire pathway. These Chicagoan bikers get angry when you're on the left side and they won't hesitate to yell at you with no filter. The trail is much longer then that though, it's about 18 miles but the Divvy stations don't extend that far out I believe. I suggest not to bike when it's windy because if you're biking against the wind, you'll probably last 10 minutes before you need to rest. read more

I love living by the lake. Went for a 1 1/4 hour walk along the lake and harbor yesterday, and it was just so beautiful and peaceful. Yes, people should be more considerate of others and step aside or not block the path, but overall it is still one of the best features of Chicago. Gotta love it! read more

This is great spot for a lunch date or just getting away. Can't wait until it gets nice. I simply love it plus it's not far from our jobs. About a 10 min walk but definitely worth it. read more

Chicago Lakefront Trail - Beautiful Chicago - Hiking Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I just started riding my bike to and from work (today was my third time) and I love it (I've ridden on the path before, just not to work). It's definitely less crowded in the morning on my way to work, but on the way home I can just take it slower and enjoy the breeze and the view of the lake. I'm by no means a speed demon and I always try to stay out of the faster riders way. I try to be as courteous as possible and expect the same treatment back. I don't like it when people listen to their ipod or talk on their cell phone while riding, but as long as they aren't causing me or anyone else to crash, I guess it's ok. read more

Man, am I late to this party! I've lived within city limits for 2.5 years, and only just biked it recently for the first time. Granted, I haven't had a bike until now, but still... I can clearly imagine how hazardous the path can be on the weekends and over the summer, and that it's the *people* who draw the critiques, not the path. Thankfully I work odd hours, so my weekday noon rides have been rather blissful. I'm kicking myself for not getting out there sooner, because I've fallen in love with this city all over again for its spectacular views. read more

I love summer in Chicago! Winter is at times unbearable, but not always. Think walking outside at night, down a quiet side street, during a light snowfall with the flakes reflecting in the streetlights, mmm...lovely...but I digress. Over the last couple months I have been doing more than my fair share of walking in and around the city and, in particular, the lakefront. I am in training for the 3-Day, 60-Mile Breast Cancer walk and now that it is less than a week away, I have been reflecting over all the miles I have logged. The chilly days, the crazy hot days, and the rainy days-these all taking place in May and June. I have to commend the city on the work they have done on the path between Waveland and Fullerton. It really does look great and has opened up the path a lot and hopefully cut back on the accidents. Also, if you haven't had a chance, being a die-hard city person, you should check out walking up Sheridan going into Evanston past Northwestern and up farther, north into Winnetka to the Baha'i Temple. It is the most amazing, gleaming white piece of architecture. I'm inspired to go and walk some more. 20 miles a day for 3 days! Wish me luck. read more

Sometimes I feel like most of my summer is spent running up and down the lakeshore on the path. What an outstanding place to run, probably my favorite running location in the world - but I'll admit I'm a bit biased. It's great that the path accommodates runners with water fountains and restrooms every so often - it beats having to carry water or find a tree! From Hollywood on down south to the south side, there are plenty of trails that allow for running, biking, walking, or roller blading to exercise and enjoy the view of the skyline and lake. In the summer it can get quite busy between the running groups, packs of bikers and then tourists in those bike-car things, but it's so vibrant and so uniquely Chicago. I already look foward to the Spring when the water fountains will be back on and taking a nice run soaking up the sun and view. read more

I'm big into cycling so I'm out here for at least two hours a day. It's beautiful. I love Olive Park, Buckingham Fountain, and Megs Field that is just south of the Planetarium. Altough, be careful and respecful while walking or biking and be aware of everyone around you, there's people everywhere and they're all moving quickly. read more

This is my first time at this Lakefront trail. It was very nice and the trail could take you right into the Navy Piers if you go to the South direction. The trail will take you all the way to Lawrence beach If you go on the North direction. While walking or riding bike, you will have a chance to view many speculator buildings and you might bumped to some famous people. I would recommend to go there on sunny days and weather permitting, you will get soak when its raining, because no where can cover for you. read more

This was one of my favorite things to do in Chicago. Go at sunset! We rented the city's DIVY bikes at the Museum of Science and Industry, and there was a tunnel to go under the road over to the Lakefront trail. We started at mile 3 and biked to mile 12, and it took us about 90 minutes including stopping and taking pictures. This trail offers great views of the Chicago skyline across the lake! It is very well-paved and comfortable to bike on. The signs are also very good - there were a couple of detours for construction but easy to follow. It goes past fire pits, parks, beaches, and wildlife reserves. When you get downtown, the trail gets a little busy. It went along a portion of the lakefront where water was washing up onto the lower part of the trail, so it was like biking along a beach! Where else can you do that? If you get off at mile 12, walk 15 minutes to go eat in Oldtown. We went to the Happy Camper and it was great! read more