Review Date
September 2, 2003

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: Eric ,  Cross Country Rider , from Oak Park, IL

Summary:
I grew up on this trail, long before anyone came up with the idea of mountain biking, and I still ride the whole thing with my road bike from time to time. Singletrack sections are generally short and sometimes very muddy being near the river. However, there are some very good sections here and there.

I've only explored the singletrack off the main trail for about five or six miles north from the trailhead at Caldwell and Devon. I haven't found anything too terribly technical, but some sections are very scenic and worth a visit.

Recommended Route:
I usually start at the southernmost trailhead at Caldwell and Devon and jump off on whatever comes up on the left after the big "dip" that used to kick our asses as kids (about 2/3 mile in or so). If it's dry, you can get into a decent section of singletrack there before you get to Touhy.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
There's a good little network including a very fun group of BMX-type hills and jumps very near the southern trailhead of the North Branch trail. So far haven't seen any mention of it online and I don'

Review Date
June 21, 2002

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: build me a trail , from chicago

Summary:
dont get too excited...there is less than two miles of decent track. farther north (approx one mile)trail splinters into a few branches and go nowhere. It would be nice if a group would link up some of these and establish a decent ride.

Recommended Route:
just north of big bridge at Oakton st. go down fast and look right.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
just drive away from chicago.

Review Date
July 12, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: mike , from chicago

Summary:
The trail is kinda short for my liking but it is very technical. I would like to possibly build more trails in this area or make some of the trails connect so the offroad section is longer and more technical let me know if your interested.

Recommended Route:
right after the bridge at oakton and caldwell just keep your eyes open on the right hand side of trail along river.

Review Date
December 22, 1999

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: Michael , from Chicago

Summary:
Not fast open trails like the Kettle, sections of these trails are very technical and challenging. Many interuptions (roads/creeks/railroads) tend to break up the ride (and the groove), but overall this is a great "city" ride where one is more likely to see deer than other people (especially at sunset)

Recommended Route:
These trails start at Gompers Park (Foster) in Chicago and continue north along the river for more than 10 miles (with some road and or paved sections).

Review Date
August 11, 1999

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: mike , from chicago

Summary:
watch out for horse poop. very dry rocks on a hot day, keep good traction and easy on the turns (wiped out on my first ride)

Recommended Route:
keep going north until church street. cross onto the bridal path.