Whether you walk, run, rollerblade, bike, or are just out for a sightseeing stroll, visiting the lakefront trail is a must. The scenery is second to none and it connects many cool attractions such as Navy Pier, the Aquarium, the Riverwalk, and more! On my most recent visit I saw people with rented segways! An added bonus is the reserved bike lane. If you even just come for some photo opps, this is a must visit in Chi Town. read more

This is a wonderful bike path! Biking/rollerblading/running along the lake is a beautiful way to see Chicago. You can bring a picnic, bring a book, bring friends, or go alone. No matter what, you will have a great time! Even though I am on the path fairly frequently, I am still caught off guard by how beautiful the skyline is. read more

I Live right across from the lake, is always busy as soon as the temperature gets up to 65 degrees. So many runners and bikes, great to see people of Chicago getting into shape. I always enjoy going on a run knowing that is safe and a very beautiful surroundings. read more

Chicago Lakefront Trail - Clear sky today. - Hiking Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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LOVE the lakefront trail. It's right by the lake (duh), and it's amazing! There are many bikers, runners, and walkers here, and it's just so peaceful and comforting to walk along the lake on a beautiful day with sunshine. Definitely recommend, and there are plenty of photo opportunities too. LOVE! read more

The absolute best thing in Chicago. Grab a divvy from anywhere on the trail and go up or down, both are amazing scenic routes. Most people consider the central point Grant Park.. from there I think it goes ~9 miles north and south. If I had to choose one, I'd go north because there's more beach and lake front exposure. You can stop by navy pier or some of the other beaches and chill. There are plenty of spots near the trail to dock and undock your divvy. I'm not a runner but if I were I'd hit this trail up every run. Best place to picnic is near north avenue beach right before you hit the volleyball courts. read more

The Lakefront Path is one of the best things about Chicago, and the reason why I can bike from Rogers Park downtown in about 35 minutes. Woot! It's salted regularly in the winter, has great views of the lake, and when you can't see the lake, it's really fun to see everyone relaxing or playing sports at the park Users of the Lakefront Path (UOTLFP) should be aware that many different kinds of people use it, some of whom appear not to know basic passing and riding/walking etiquette.To that end, I offer a few points of advice/commentary: 1.a) The reviewers below who are worried about the fast biking should know that a lots of people ARE actually training for the triathlon (or some other race), and the LFP is the only long stretch without traffic lights or many cars in the city. Others of those fast bikers are using the LFP because they don't have cars (comme moi) and need to get to appointments, school, hanging out, everything. Rest assured, if someone is coming up fast behind you, you can simply move to the right side of the path and wait for them to pass, and I have never seen a passing collision. 1.b) If you find yourself wanting to pass someone, check quickly behind you and in the oncoming traffic for safety, then say loud enough for the person to hear: "On your left!" meaning, I'm passing you on the left. If you hear someone yell, "On your left!" remain calm. Move right if possible and get ready for someone to pass you on your left. You can also use your hands to signal when you are going left or right, and you SHOULD signal when you leave the path. 1.c) UOTLFP have the right of way over cars. You should be scanning the intersection, ready to brake if a car does decide to try to dash out between UOTLFP, but you do not have to stop and wait for a car to let you go. In fact, it will be confusing and might cause unnecessary traffic jams if you do so, since cars expect UOTLFP to take the right of way. 2. If you are walking or riding two (or more) abreast and you start to notice people passing you "dangerously" or "aggressively," they are probably really annoyed by your oblivious selfishness in taking up the whole damn lane, so move into single file, or move farther to the right if you can. 3. Finally, a note to the roller bladers. I support your blading, really I do. You have the hams of gods and goddesses, and I salute you. But please, when you're in a crowded part of the LFP, bring it in a little! Don't take really wide strides that make it impossible to pass you. There's room on the LFP for everybody--slowpokes, speed demons, bladers, bikers, even the odd skateboarder, and of course pedestrians and strollers. Just remember that while you may be out for a leisurely Sunday ride, not everybody wants to go your pace. Wear a helmet, get used to the passing of faster cyclists, and enjoy your time on Chicago's lovely Lakefront Path! read more

Absolutely wonderful. You can get on or off at a variety of points, and you just see a lot of really cool shit.

The City of Chicago really has worked to create one of the most beautiful and versatile areas of the city with this lakefront path. The path stretches all the way from north side to south and is nicely paved to suit all people's needs. The path connects all of the city's beaches with the museums and parks. You can start anywhere and make your way to Museum Campus, Millennium Park, Oak St. Beach, Hyde Park... you name it, you're connected via the Lakefront Path. Love biking? rollerblading? walking? running? The Lakefront Path is for you. There's clearly marked lanes so you can run, bike, rollerblade with ease. There's even posted rules to help keep everyone safe. Proper passing etiquette? "On your left!" You'll hear people shout it out and it's worth it to keep your ears open. Sometimes the path can be crowded, especially near beaches and the Museum Campus, but it's worth it to get out there and get your exercise on. New additions to the Lakefront Path: small workout stations! While you're on a walk or run you can stop at one of these small stations and do some stretching, ab work, pull ups... whatever suits your fancy! I like that there's equipment like this for everyone to use near the lake - I love promoting fitness! Make sure you make a stop at one of Chicago's amazing beaches while you're out riding on the Lakefront Path - the stop is totally worth it and you can cool off on a lovely, hot summer's day. Thank you, City of Chicago, for creating another beautiful public space for people like me to utilize all year round (but especially in the summer!). The Lakefront Path provides amazingly beautiful views of the best city in the world all year round and is worth a visit anytime. read more

Fuck you confused suburbanites that don't know how to ride a bike on the freaking bike path. YOU DONT RIDE INTO TRAFFIC!!!! thanks to two little old ladies I had to get stitches in the emergency room over the summer. AVOID THE PATH IN THE SUMMER IF YOUR ON A BIKE. Its like every wacko in the summer likes to walk along this path and pretend they are exercising...YOU ARE NOT EXERCISING WITH A DAMN HOT DOG IN YOUR MOUTH!!!! oh yea, and gotta love the Rollerblades swinging their arms everywhere 3 stars for winter time bike path though...he's my friend. But Summer time bike path is the drunk uncle at Thanksgiving. If you haven't seen him in awhile you think it may be a good idea to see him...but after being with good ol unc for a few minutes you remember why you stopped going to family functions read more

I cant believe the gall of the nasty cyclists writing a review complaining that OTHER PEOPLE have the nads to occupy the lakefront path. Get over it. Maybe if you slowed down and realized that its not a velodrome you wouldn't get so annoyed. Everyone that is there has a right to be there that includes all those people you call "stupid" just because they are in your way. Chances are, if you wrote that.. then you're going too fast - and YOU are the problem. Get a damn rack and hike your ass to the suburbs where you wont be so "surprised" at congestion.. seriously? Its a MAJOR US city.. you're really surprised? Really? The lakefront path is great on a bike.. if you realize you have to take it slow once you're south of Belmont pretty much through to the loop. Its not the Tour de Effing France. read more

As a cyclist, I HATE ROLLERBLADERS, little kids weaving in and out, and dumb ass people who have no sense to stick to one side, look around them, and be aware. I've had two very serious accidents on the path on my bike: 1) Weekend cyclist with no clue about eiquitte. When you are going to pass or do something, look around and tell the people around you. This guy just whips out as I was passing him and I go flying. Bad enough to bend my front wheel and me get knocked senseless. Guy gave me $100 on the spot because he saw I was hurting (and boy was I!) 2) Could with kid on big wheel on path. Hello! Kids don't care about what is going on around them, you need to watch them!! Once again, I am yelling out that I am passing an on what side and this kid just turns in front of me. I made the choice to drop my bike and slide in order not to hit the kid. My bike shorts shredded so my buttock was hanging out, my arm and leg completely burned and bloody, and I am seeing stars as my head hit the pavement even though I have a helmet on. THEN the parents had the NERVE to tell me to watch what I am doing because I almost hurt their precious, precious. Excuse my language (FUCKERS). At least my bike didn't suffer that time. Anyway, I wish they would make the path so that "Rollerbladers and idiots who never learned to look both ways when crossing the street here" and "People who are serious about cycling here" The path is MUCH better after you hit the Shedd going south. I think people are too scared of the South side to go on the path that side- Which is FINE by me because at least I can focus. I've given up cycling everyday for the past 3 years so maybe its changed but I think its gotten worse. Great path for everyone BUT cyclists! read more

One of the nicest things the city of Chicago has ever done is invest in its wonderful lakefront. And biking the lakefront is one of the best ways to experience and appreciate the beauty of Chicago. If you don't own a bike, there are several locations along the path (Belmont, Navy Pier, Madison, etc.) renting them for around $30-40 a day. It is certainly a worthy expenditure for anyone visiting the city. The section between North and Madison is extremely crowded, especially on the weekend, and should be avoided if possible (unless you enjoy avoiding potential accidents every two seconds). It is difficult to move faster that walking pace through much of this area. There are different merits to the path north and south of downtown. Biking south is less crowded than the north on the weekends, especially south of the Museum Campus. A few small hills and curves make for a varied ride, and the path runs close to the lake, providing lovely scenery. There are many spots to stop and take in amazing views of the city skyline. It provides great access to most of Chicago's museums, several beaches, Hyde Park, and you might even be lucky enough to overhear a concert at Northerly Island. Because of the crowds, it is preferable to bike north on off-times, like weekdays. For several stretches, the path is closer to parking lots and Lake Shore Drive than to the lake, but there are still many section to pull over and enjoy the lake views or relax on a beach. You can deviate slightly from the path into Lincoln Park for access to the free Zoo and Conservatory. FYI -water fountains can usually be found near the beaches along the path. read more

There's no better place in Chicago to train for marathons than the Lakefront path. However, everyone else and their mother knows that as well. So on Saturday and Sunday spring/summer/fall mornings, CARA running groups will prove a hazard to the solo runner's health. The real secret to the Lakefront path? Go north of Belmont. From Belmont up to the northerly end at Hollywood Beach, this path is paradise. You will have the path to yourself, even on busy days. But between Belmont and Grand on a nice day, you might as well be running on Michigan Ave. So reserve your tempo runs for either the far south or the far north. And a service note to all: If you are running more than 2 abreast, you deserve to be tripped. read more

The debate over the lakefront path will continue well beyond our years. When I first started cycling, I was afraid to ride on the road, scared to death a car would hit me. So I started on the lakefront path. Eventually, as I became more comfortable riding on the road, I started to realize that the road is much safer for cyclists than the crowded lakefront path because cars are often more predictable than people pushing baby strollers, roller-bladers pushing along with dogs on leashes, and the random runner who decides to turn around to head the other way without looking to see who he/she may be cutting off. I do still ride on the path as it's a very convenient route for me to get to work. However, I also do so knowing that I need to be courteous (and smart!) about how I ride, and hope that others will do the same. There are a lot of stupid and inconsiderate people on the path, but that comes with the territory. Regardless, I do love to ride along the lake! I especially enjoy spending a few quiet minutes each morning watching the sun rise over the water. read more

I can't imagine a prettier path! I run on the path three to four times a week, mostly on the north side. I get on the path around Addison, and find running south to be the most beautiful. However, it is incredibly crowded on nice days and during peak hours. There are a lot of bikers who do not know how to share the path with others; I've almost been hit many, many times, and have witnessed bikers hitting runners many times. For safety reasons, I think a second path should be added just for bikers. Or police should ticket bikers (not just on this path but across the city for not following traffic rules...I digress). When I head north from Addison, it's not as picturesque but less crowded. Parts of the pavement are not as well maintained when you get up by Hollywood. But avoiding crowds makes this my preferred direction. In the winter, the path is plowed regularly. Ice does not build up. If bikers learned how to slow down, or a second path was built to accommodate them, I'd easily give the Chicago Lakefront Path five stars. read more

I would say that I have personally used this path 100-200 times over the past few years. I'm primarily a runner, and I've ran in weather ranging from 20 and snowy to 100 and scorching hot. I feel as though I am qualified to write an honest, constructive review. I've thought a long time about what I wanted to say, and I think I am finally ready to articulate a review. I unfortunately don't have any recent pictures to post. I tend to zone out while I am running, and forget to take pictures. Most of the pictures I would take have been posted many times already, so I will try to capture something unique. I enter the path at Roscoe. Depending on how I am feeling, I run north to Hollywood or run south to Navy Pier. Running north from Roscoe is a great run along the lake, and it is generally less crowded than its southbound counterpart. There's also a public track by Lawrence, which is great for speed training. When I run south from Roscoe towards Navy Pier, I have a direct view of the Skyline with Lake Michigan to the East. I mirror the sentiment of literally every person who has posted before me. There's nothing I can say about this view that hasn't already been said 100 times. Not only is it one of the best views in the city, I personally feel as though it's one of the best views in the world. It's motivating and enthralling being able to run with the Skyline and Lake Michigan constantly in my sights. The path itself is well-maintained and well-lit. I think this is very important for runners such as myself that like to run at night. You can­ always see fellow runners/cyclists/bladers, at least on the paths I take. Conversely, if you go running in the morning at sunrise, you are treated to a beautiful Lake Michigan and Skyline sunrise, and that view just can't be beaten. The Fullerton Beach area is currently under some major renovations. The path had been closed for quite a while. The grassy area, as well as the path, was blocked off by a temporary wall. The grassy area at Fullerton Beach, along with the newly paved path, has officially OPENED a few weeks ago and I'm very pleased. Before this path was opened, you would circle to the west of the building at Fullerton and loop around to North Avenue Beach. This new path is east of the building, giving you an accelerated look at the Lake. They're still working on the area, and I'm very optimistic considering the progress they have made. I feel obligated to mention one of the consistently negative attributes about this path. I love this path, and I am thoroughly enjoying the fact that it's almost empty during this time of the year. That being said, when it gets crowded, the path can be dangerous if you aren't paying attention. During the summer, between the hours of 8am and 8pm, you can expect a LARGE amount of traffic between Belmont and North Avenue. It's quite discouraging to see just how little etiquette or awareness some folks have when on the course. An issue I sometimes run into (pun intended) is that walkers/runners/tourists walk 3,4, or 5 wide in the MIDDLE of the path and make it impossible/unsafe to pass by. When you hear someone say "ON YOUR LEFT!" it usually means you're in the way and in a precarious position. My other issue is an issue pretty much every other poster has mentioned. If you think walkers/runners have poor etiquette, you should see the cyclists. Seriously, if you want to train for a triathlon and gun down this path at 25mph, you need to go at 5am. Simply put, it is unsafe and irresponsible to be flying down the path at noon on a summer weekend. If I recognize that the southbound path is choking up with runners/walkers/tourists/cyclists, I will run north to avoid the traffic. I can enjoy the path and everything it has to offer regardless of the direction I run. These two issues are minuscule relative to how amazing the path is. The Lakefront Path is easily my favorite area for runs. It's one of my absolute favorite places in the city, and I would recommend it as one of the ultimate representations of Chicago. read more

Ok so this review will be more like a vent than anything, but living in the city and wanting to ride my bike for exercise and not get run over by delivery trucks, cabs, buses or the many forms of clueless motorists forces me to the path. Here I have at least a 50/50 shot of surviving the crash and being a pretty big guy on a fast road bike probably makes my chances greater. First thing, (spring '08) it is completely inexcusable that the stretch of the path north of Belmont remains closed. This was supposed to be done December. What does the Park District not understand about this? What has now been created very dense traffic spot that has a huge potential for accidents and will just keep getting worse. The new path looks great and can't wait for it to open, but get it done already. Second, the marked lane areas are for bikes please don't walk 3-4 abreast in these areas or worse, straddle the path with your cooler. Don't get mad at me when I say "on your left" and then when you don't move I say something about it being a bike path and that there are plenty of sidewalks. I am trying to help both of us. Believe me you don't want my 220 lb body running into you at 20 mph. I am only going to drop my shoulder to brace for the impact. (Unless you are dumb enough to allow your kids to run around on the path unsupervised. Then I get to take the brunt of the crash, but I do reserve the right to find you and punch you in the face) Third, I can't decide to say when to say "on your left" and when not to. Most people aren't really sure what it means. So they will look left, which makes them go left. Others are cluelessly listening to their iPods and can't hear you. I am not a technophobe in fact I have the requisite iPod and iPhone and like to wear them when riding, but you need to be able to hear the things going on around you in the high traffic areas. Others just don't care or are rollerbladers (didn't those things go out of style in '98?). I got into a collision with a guy on rollerblades after I said "on your left." He said "I don't care what you said" so I am at a loss when to say it. Then you have your folks that get mad when you don't say it. If I feel like I can safely navigate around you without saying it then I do. Sorry. Fourth, now I get to pick on my own kind. Seriously, slow down in congested areas. How ever temping it may be, the area around North Ave. Beach is not the best place to open it up when it's crowded. The differences in speed can be very dangerous and we can't expect that people will be self aware. Also, in the previously mentioned areas of path closure, it would probably be better to just get off your bike and walk it. So, it is a love/hate relationship with this path. I just wish that we could have some common courtesy but that may prove more difficult than world peace. This may not be the place for this rant, but those looking for recreation in Chicago should know that this path is a great place to see the city and get some exercise. Just keep your head on a swivel, hold your kids hand and be courteous. read more

North of Belmont = five stars. South of Grand = five stars. Between Grand and Belmont = no stars. Rollerbladers - 1992 called and it wants its fitness gimmick back. read more

I was surprised to see anything below 5 stars for the lakefront path but popularity does have its draw backs. First of all not many major cities can boast something as awesome as the Chicago Lakefront Path. This is one of the best places in the world to get in a scenic run. But as far as major cities, NYC, London, and San Fran are the only other ones that even come close. But even those great cities can't offer everything this lakefront path can. This is an 18 mile stretch that runs approximately 9 miles north of downtown and 9 miles south of downtown offering runners, cyclists, and roller bladers the freedom to take in amazing views of Chicago. My favorite time of year is actually during the colder months when you're more than likely to experience long stretches by yourself on this beautiful path. But in the summer time you can add a few other activities along with a couple hundred thousand extra friends into the mix. In the summer you can throw in a mile long open water swim loop near ladder #1 about 1/2 mile from oak street beach. And further north along North Ave. you can find close to a hundred pick up volleyball games. One bad incident I remember years ago; an elderly man somehow turned his car onto the lakeshort path and got totally confused and disoriented. he didn't know where he was or how to stop his car and he kept driving (at a slow pace) knocking people down who were unfortunate enough to be in front of him. He ran over several people until somebody finally jumped in his car to stop it. That was a bad day, but besides that how how could not love this place? Run on! read more

After a week of biking from Wrigleyville to The Field Museum, I've renewed my love for one of Chicago's greatest treasures. The beaches and the lakefront path. There's no other perfect way to commute to work than on a bike and after about 3/4 of a mile of traffic to get there, I'm off for a view of the lake on one side, and the city skyline on the other. You get to see gorgeous boats. Yoga and boot camp classes. Air shows at times. Volleyball tournaments. Beautiful sunrises. Some tourists have discovered it as well though too and clog it up with their inability to ride a bike, walk to the right, or the god awful 4 person carts they like to rent that take up more than a lane. Times like that become frustrating, and going through the Navy Pier area equals no fun and lots of dodging and stopping while people aren't watching. The path has it's rough spots to be sure, that if I wasn't watching, I'd be going over the handlebars due to the Lake Shore Drive-like potholes in some areas. But now they're really doing it up with beach side fresh juice and smoothies, some bike tune up areas and more! Makes me nervous that the secret will get out even more! Going to and from work has never been so enjoyable until the summer months of riding my bike there! read more

I was never a big runner until I moved to Chicago three years ago. The Lakefront Path is a huge reason for this - so scenic and more importantly so accessible. When your mileage starts to creep above 3 or 4, streetlights, crosswalks and pedestrians become your sworn enemies. Thanks to "the path" I get to knock out two of the three nuisances. Not too shabby. True, the path gets crowded. There are WAY too many morons on the planet to avoid poor running/biking/dog-walking etiquette. I run on the path all year - winter included - and at the first sniff of nice weather, chaos ensues. This is no fun, especially when you mean business. However, when it comes right down to it, I can't really complain. On those mornings where I am fortunate enough (or crazy enough - not sure which) to see the sun rise over Lake Michigan, there is no other place I'd rather be. read more

My only gripe doesn't have anything to do with the path so much as people that use the path. I'm usually running on the path from Fullerton to the Hancock building so as you've guessed there's a lot of traffic. However traffic isn't the problem so much as the group of 4 people that insist that they walk side to side with a what we call the "heterosexual buffer" between each of them thusly taking up most of the path. And if you have a little dog on a long leash or a little kid pay CLOSE attention to them. Some cyclists travel around pretty quickly. I have seen many instances where I thought they were going to get killed. Even with its downsides though I will always try to live close to the lake just for the path. It's a beautiful long stretch you can run relatively mindlessly and there are plenty to fill your eyes if you're into people watching. Run early enough and you get to see the sun rise. I have this phobia that I'm going to trip over myself, fall in the lake, and lose my keys. Anybody else? read more

I love running along water! When you go to Millennium Park, You can get to the Lakefront but it isnt the actual path that the yelp address provides. I ran from the hotel to the lakefront and just ran up until this cute pier that looked like the Notebook. Hehe. I think that is when the actual path begins but that run was long enough. While you run along you see a bunch of other bikers and runners and you have this awesome beautiful view. It just so happened to be raining that morning as well so we got super soaked but running in the rain is sorta fun haha. Just throw on some tights and a tank and bring headphones and you are good to go! I definitely needed to be active since I ate so much shiz haha read more

Chicago Lakefront Trail - Hiking Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Oh lakefront path, I think you are the thing about chicago I'm going to miss the most. We spent so many long runs together. When I was overheated, you gave me Gatorade stations. When I had suntan lotion in my eyes, you let me rinse in your water fountains. When I was pale, you offered me your beaches. I think my favorite moments were those spent together in quiet bliss... watching the sunrise together on my early morning runs or waving to the other runners crazy enough to be with you on a cold or rainy day. I know there will be paths in north carolina.... ones with hills even. But I'll never forget you. read more

Well, I was loving the path despite its crowdedness until this past Wednesday night when two separate idiot young men about a few block apart tried to scare me to death while riding my bike. They ran out at me from the other side of the pathway and made a monstery scary noise and then laughed. The second one came at me with a bag in his hand and pulled it away at the last minute. I say all this as a caution to anyone on the path at night. Otherwise, running along the path and seeing the beautiful skyline is amazing! There are water fountains and toilets in all the heavy traffic areas and with the exception of 7/5 there is always TP and soap! Speaking of, thanks fellow citizens for so carelessly trashing the path in your drunkenness! read more

I can't believe this place doesn't have more reviews, especially given the myriads of both tourists and locals that use it. The short answer: spend a whole day here. The long answer: this is one of Chicago's most iconic attractions. I can't think of anything I'd rather do in the summer than be on the trail. Going for roughly 20 miles from the far south to far north, the edges of the trail are mostly large parks and prairie restoration. The middle parts are dotted with beaches and rest houses, and the very center converges with the downtown itself. Rent a bike and cycle the entire length, it offers some of the best views of the city, or jog along the popular beaches and notice all the tanned, buff people doing mini laps around and around the most popular parts. If you're walking, please be courteous and watch where you're going. And please please please, don't be a fat tourist and take one of those horrid segway tours. Seriously don't be a doopey blob. As an extra perk: if you spend a significant amount of time on the trail, or if you're lucky, you may run into a food rep offering free samples. HIT THESE PEOPLE UP. Anyone with bags/boxes/carts/bikes/carriages filled with food with be more than happy to give you endless samples. The best. read more

Absolutely stunning. I can't get enough of the path since its days of use are numbered due to the upcoming Chicago winter weather. I like biking better than running just because I feel as if there is more room for biking, but whatever you feel like doing (running, biking, walking, rollerblading, etc) is generally a-okay on the path. Bring some water, music, and something to read for a break. You won't regret it :) read more

I usually bike this whole thing back and forth around once a week. Pluses: 20 miles of lakefront, surrounded by parks, places to stop and eat, plenty of water fountains, etc. Minuses: too many people just walking/standing/doing nothing on crowded sections, a couple awkward street intersections, one or two unavoidable potholes that make my road bike tremble, crossing the river, segways, those god-forsaken tourist buggies that should be burned. The best part of the path is from museum campus south. Much fewer people, the path is in better condition, you get the best views of downtown, and there are no road crossings for the first 6-7 miles. read more

Ever-present battle between pedestrians and cyclists aside, this trail is spectacular. Not being from Chicago, I found it glorious that I could quite easily get in a 15 mile training run in the heart of such a big city. Had I needed even 18 miles, it would have been no problem. That's amazing. Tack on the scenery, and it's approaching Mecca. I was impressed with and thankful for the amount of water stations and restrooms conveniently sprinkled along the route. And you know it's an activity-friendly city when the local running store has a manned water/gatorade station for public use! Double wow. While it's elbow-to-elbow people during the day, I found the early morning hours to be pleasantly sparse but safely populated to allow me to enjoy every step of my 15 miles. Thanks for the great long run, Chicago! read more

There are a few things that made me nervous to attempt an adventure on the Lakeshore path. Mainly, it's the many people training for marathons that use the path and all of its glory to run freely without constant obstacles. Not so much a worry and more of a joke now looking back at how long it took me to get these legs out there. I bit the bullet and decided to hell with it, this needs to be done. I may not run anymore, but this path is for runners and walkers alike. Never disappointed when given the opportunity to be outside and enjoy a gorgeous view of the city and the lake. The path itself is neatly paved and painted to direct anyone who may be walking along the path blindly not recognizing the 'rules of the road.' Stretching for miles it is prime if you are a cyclist or a runner. For the walker who can go for as long as your heart is content, this is perfect. It's scenic and gives you such an appreciation for the city we all know and love that extends further than the usual landmarks. In the winter months be prepared to have the paths salted and geared for any type of weather. If you are an evening runner/cyclist/walker, the city is watching out for you. Not big brother. Patrol cars ride along the path making sure there aren't any disturbances. I have to admit, this is probably the best path I have ever walked on and wish I could still train as it is appealing in every way. The distance and scenery make it an enjoyable time out never giving your eyes a dull moment. From the buildings to the lake, to the friendly people utilizing the paths (don't be scared of the runners or cyclists). Without a doubt, the most scenic route you'll run on. Even if you're just out and about and need to clear your mind, this needs to be your go to. Love the path and will be making this a weekly stop from here on out. read more

I know there are a gazillion reviews about the path, and I likely will not say anything new; but I just moved out to Chicago, don't know anyone, am stressing about my new job, don't know the city at all, so this is a truly welcome reprieve for me. I don't usually yelp locations that have a ton of reviews, but I just got back from a run tonight and was marveling at the variety of scenery along the way and had to yelp it. And I've only run a small portion of the path...My first Chicago review... I've lived and traveled in some great running cities including Los Angeles (the Arroyo up to the Rose Bowl, amazing trail running/hiking, and the BEACH!), New York City (Central Park any day, people), and Buenos Aires (miles of beautiful parks), and in my short experience here so far, I'm going to have to put Chicago's Lakefront path right up there. Yes, it's crowded; yes, there are people who don't know multi-use path etiquette, but it's still a long path with gentle mini-slopes, right by the water with lots of friendly people out doing the same thing you are. From the beautiful skyline representing some of the most important architects in history, to the lake, to the museums, and finally to all the people watching, I don't think that any other running paths combine all of this. And I will say, LA is supposed to have some of the most beautiful people in the world, but I say the running and cycling folks of Chicago and NYC are far better looking and far more athletic. So go, Chicago! read more

"On the left!" A commonly used line at the paths... other quiet cyclist just zoom past hoping you won't notice. There are also some disgruntle cyclists sharing the path as well since they're going around 20mph on a bike path... The best spots for a good scene will be right behind McCormick Place if you're near the south. The next good location is by the Shedd Aquarium though the paths can be a bit more narrow. I love it here. Thank you to all the joggers/walkers who stay on the right side. I can't thank you enough for being so courteous. read more

I think it is funny that I can review the lakefront path. I have ridden 500 miles on the path in the last 8 weeks. What can I say, it gets a 3 b/c the old path has good days and bad days. My biggest beef is not with the path, but some of the Yahoos who don't know path courtesy. You NEVER stop in the middle of the path to chat with friends, you always look before you cross the path, etc. You would think this is common sense...if it is, many are lacking that department. The path does need a little work up north as some places are in pretty bad shape. Captain Obvious here, but the best time to it the path is around 6am. Not too many people on it, and those that are on it that early, know the etiquitte. From Navy Pier North can be a nightmare, so be careful. read more

The 3 star review is really a 1 star combined with a 5 star...let me explain. M-F before 3 pm, this is a 5 star ride. Lovely scenery and room to move. Probably the best ride anywhere in the city. M-F after 3 and all day Sat and Sun this place is definite 1 star. Between the walkers and rollerbladers the path is packed with people who don't know the meaning of "shared bike path". Accidents are frequent, especially north of Museum Campus. On days like this I'll take the North Branch path hands-down. read more

Beautiful path to run on! I started out by Lincoln Park and almost ran all the way to Navy Pier. The sights and artwork were breathtaking and now that it's getting warmer I will definitely be running here more often! read more

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One of my favorite things about Chicago. If you're a runner though, be careful and aware of bicyclists. I've been hit twice in six years (both times from behind), and only one of them stopped to see if I was okay. read more

The lakefront path is the very best aspect of Chicago. Running. You can run anytime on the path regardless of other traffic. A little bit of courtesy goes a long way. Cycling can be trickier. On the one hand, I've hit my top speeds on the path of 35 mph with a tail wind. On the other hand, its unethical to go over 10 mph on a busy day. Its all about picking your timing. A lot of very serious cyclists get good 30 mile rides in by starting at 5:00 am. I think that's the best time to use the path anyway. You can see the city waking up as the sun rises over lake Michigan if you get out there early enough. Awesome! read more

The bike path is great anytime of the year! I live right off the lake so I am fortunate enough to get daily use of the path for most of the year. Chicagoans should be use to the congestion, and avoid the peak times and areas if they don't like it. Give the tourists a break! I appreciate that they plow and salt the path during the winter. I also dig all the brave shirtless people in this city, rock on! My only beef is the narrow sidewalk over the river, it is very dangerous! Nobody wants to fall onto lower Wacker. All in all it is great exercise, people watching, and a somewhat safe way for pedestrians and bikers to travel. read more

Life is too short to just sit around and complain, so take your Debbie Downer negatives about the lakefront path and walk off the end of Navy Pier. Let me remind you that we are in the Midwest, the land-locked portion of the county, and Lake Michigan is the closest thing to an ocean many will ever see. What better way to get out and see it than on the 20-mile stretch of lakefront path? Whether it's just for a casual stroll or hardcore exercise, how many people can say they have a nearly constant view of a cool skyline on one side and a great lake on the other? If you get bored with those things, you can always make friends with the birds or squirrels, just make sure you don't cut anyone off when you move to the right. Apply common courtesy and obey the rules, just get out there. read more

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