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The northern portion of Chicago's most famous trail, the Lakefront Trail.


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Map Key

8.9

Miles

14.3

KM

100%

Runnable

598' 182 m

High

578' 176 m

Low

112' 34 m

Up

120' 36 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

5%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · Views

From Wacker Drive to Illinois Street the path shares the sidewalk on the lower level of Lake Shore Drive. This section of the path can get very, very congested, especially during the warmer months.

This trail is open 24 hours a day, but the parks and beaches close at 11pm.

During winter, parts of the path can close due to freezing.

Overview

The best way to see Chicago!

Runner Notes

This path gets insanely busy, especially during Spring/Summer/Fall. Be mindful of other trail users.

Description

Abbreviated as the LFT, the Lakefront Trail is a paved path spanning a total of 18 miles along the western shores of Lake Michigan.

This northern portion connects Buckingham Fountain, which can be found to the east of Chicago's downtown, to Lane Beach Park. Along the way, runners will pass some of Chicago's most famous locales. These include, but are not limited to: Dusable Harbor and Park, Millenium Park, Navy Pier, The Museum of Contemporary Art, The Chicago History Museum, North Avenue Beach, The Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory, Lincoln Park itself, Belmont Harbor (and Wrigley Field to the west), and Montrose Beach.

If you're planning on spending a day in Chicago and want to see the sights by foot, this path is one of the most efficient ways to experience the best of what Chicago has to offer.

If you're one for Instagram, Twitter, or just hashtags in general, be sure to use the #chiLFT hashtag to disseminate reports regarding trail maintenance.

Contacts

Land Manager: Chicago Park District

Shared By:

Brian Krusell

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 5 votes

#4

in Chicago

#3472

Overall
  4.2 from 5 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Chicago

#21

in Illinois

#3,472

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,458 Since Aug 6, 2015
Easy Easy

83%
0%
17%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Watching the Chicago Air and Water show from the Lakefront. Near Diversey Ave looking south.
Jul 30, 2017 near Chicago, IL
View from the Chicago Lakefront Trail.
Jun 7, 2015 near Chicago, IL
Uptown Chicago Park
Aug 6, 2015 near Lincoln…, IL

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