Thorn Creek Trail System
Nearly 30 miles of paved and unpaved trails, including a 16 mile paved bike path wind through bucolic forest preserves near the banks of Thorn Creek in southern Cook County, Illinois.
Details
Location
Calumet City, Chicago Heights, South Chicago Heights, Glenwood, Lansing, Lynwood, Park Forest and South Holland, Illinois; a detailed map may be found here.
Managed By
Distance from Downtown Chicago
27-35 miles from the center of town
How To Get There
Accessibility
Paved portions of the trail are accessible. There are accessible parking spots. An accessible portable restroom is located at Glenwood Woods-North. An accessible picnic grove is located in Sweet Woods and may be reserved online here.
Things To Do
Biking, Birdwatching (goldfinches, osprey, vireos, wood ducks, wrens), Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Ice Fishing, Inline Skating, Jogging, Model Airplane Field, Picnicking, Running, Sledding, Snowmobiling and Wildflowers.
Fun Facts
The Thorn Creek Trail is part of the 575 mile Grand Illinois Trail.
Other Information
Portable restrooms in season
Eats
Don’t be put off by the forlorn exterior of Hi-Way Bakery, 2633 Chicago Road, South Chicago Heights. Some of the Chicago area’s tastiest and freshest donuts and other breakfast pastries are made here.
Nearby Public Lands Worth Visiting
Sauk Trail Woods which is described` on this website and is at the south end of the trail
Best Time To Visit
All year
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