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Lakefront Trail - Grant Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 200 Google reviews · Running trail in Chicago, Illinois · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 40 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Lakefront Trail - Grant Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular waterfront recreational strip with 18 miles of side-by-side walking & biking trails.
What runners say about Lakefront Trail - Grant Park
“Walks were clean and easy walking even in 38 degrees.”
“The path twists and turns gracefully through various beautiful landscapes, including trimmed grass and wild prairie pastures with plenty of peaceful views of Lake Michigan.”
“No matter the time or season of the year, it is always a great place to walk, jog, bike, or just enjoy life!”
“The path twists and turns gracefully through various beautiful landscapes, including trimmed grass and wild prairie pastures with plenty of peaceful views of Lake Michigan.”
I fell in love with that view. I have the feeling that it is the more gorgeous view of Chicago. Also it is a great path to walk or to skate. Sure you should be careful with the water because they have not barriers.
I’ve lived across the street from the lake for 16 years now. The Lakefront Trail has always been my “escape” from the city. It’s surprisingly quiet. And every time I walk or run or bike down there I see and experience something different.
I feel fortunate to live so close to Chicago's Lakefront Trail. I cycle along it nearly everyday for leisure / exercise. The pavement is smooth and well maintained.
BEAUTIFUL trail. The 10 miles surrounding downtown is super busy, so if you’re biking have a bell or get ready to lose your voice screaming “on your left” at the confused tourists on divis. Even so, still a phenomenal trail whether you’re doing a 40 mile ride or a 2 mile walk.
Trail conditions & character
“The path twists and turns gracefully through various beautiful landscapes, including trimmed grass and wild prairie pastures with plenty of peaceful views of Lake Michigan.”
“The 10 miles surrounding downtown is super busy, so if you’re biking have a bell or get ready to lose your voice screaming “on your left” at the confused tourists on divis.”
“The path twists and turns gracefully through various beautiful landscapes, including trimmed grass and wild prairie pastures with plenty of peaceful views of Lake Michigan.”
“You get to see the skyline with light and without light!”
Plan your run at Lakefront Trail - Grant Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance40 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- Websitechicagoparkdistrict.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Chicago
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lakefront Trail - Dusable Harbor - 150 N
4.8 ★★★★★ 63 reviews
Popular 28-mile waterside route spanning 2 sides of the city and used for biking, running and walking.
Lakefront Trail - 31st Street Harbor
4.8 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
Lakefront Trail - Division - 1200 N
4.8 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
Lakefront Trail - Fullerton - 2400 N
4.9 ★★★★★ 310 reviews
This 18-mile-long route features separate lanes for walkers & cyclists, plus views of Lake Michigan.