North Shore Channel – North Branch Trail loop from Dempster-Skokie

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

North Shore Channel – North Branch Trail loop from Dempster-Skokie

Moderate

3.5

(25)

riders

North Shore Channel – North Branch Trail loop from Dempster-Skokie

03:32

62.3km

100m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

4.12 km

Skokie North Shore Sculpture Park

Highlight (Segment) • Monument

Pretty straight well maintained bike trail along the channel - combined with the lakefront makes a great roundtrip.

Tip by

10.7 km

North Shore Channel

Highlight • Trail

The North Shore Channel, constructed between 1907 and 1910, was originally built to flush sewage from the North Branch of the Chicago River into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. …

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24.1 km

Bunker North Flatwoods

Forest

27.0 km

North Branch Red Paved Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The North Branch Red Trail is an absolute blast. The perfect mix of gravel and paved, mostly in the shade of the woods.

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35.5 km

Blue Star Memorial Woods Preserve

Nature Reserve

37.2 km

Watersmeet Woods

Forest

40.2 km

Skokie Lagoons

Highlight • Lake

Skokie Lagoons are a beautiful lagoon system to the north of Chicago. A nature preserve, the area is rich in plant, bird and animal life, so there are plenty of …

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41.1 km

Skokie Lagoons South

Nature Reserve

41.7 km

North Branch Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The North Branch Trail is a 20-mile paved trail that follows the North Branch of the Chicago River. The trail winds through forests and fields, so keep your eye out for wildlife, especially deer.

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44.0 km

Skokie Lagoon 5

Highlight • Lake

Nestled within the north and central sections of Skokie Lagoons, this lagoon is encircled by trails from the North Branch Trail System, providing cyclists with a tranquil and picturesque route. …

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45.2 km

North Branch Black Paved Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This is a paved 21.3 mi (34 km) trail from Highland Park to Chicago. It's shared use so look out for other pedestrians and watch your speed. Enjoy the smooth, traffic-free riding!

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46.4 km

Skokie Lagoon #7

Lake

58.5 km

Harms Woods Preserve

Highlight • Forest

This nature preserve has been the subject of years of dedicated restoration efforts. On this side of the river, it's full of unpaved trails great for walking and running, and …

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