Columbia Woods

The Centennial Trail – Centennial Trail loop from Romeoville offers a varied touring cycling experience, winding through shaded woodlands and open prairie alongside the Des Plaines River and the Illinois & Michigan Canal. You'll enjoy views of passing barges and even cross a historic swing bridge, a unique 1899 structure. The route is predominantly flat and paved, making it accessible for many, though you'll encounter some older blacktop and a short stretch of industrial road.

For planning your visit, Isle a la Cache Forest Preserve in Romeoville is an ideal starting point, providing ample parking and modern restrooms. Remember to bring sufficient water, as sources are limited along the 29.3-mile (47.2 km) route. This moderate ride, with its 217 feet (66 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 46 minutes, making it a great option for a half-day outing.

This loop is a fantastic way to explore the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, connecting you to a rich historical landscape. The trail's extensive connections to other regional paths also make it a popular choice for those looking to create longer, more diverse cycling adventures, blending paved sections with crushed limestone trails for varied terrain.

The Centennial Trail – Columbia Woods loop from Lemont offers an easy touring cycling experience that blends natural beauty with historical context. You'll pedal through green, treelined stretches, especially near Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, and enjoy views of the Des Plaines River and Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. While mostly paved, some sections might have crushed limestone or loose gravel, adding a bit of variety to the terrain. This 18.5-mile (29.8 km) route with a gentle 155 feet (47 metres) of elevation gain is perfect for a relaxed ride, taking about 1 hour and 43 minutes.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with parking available at the eastern trailhead near Columbia Woods. For a convenient stop, Schneider's Passage Entrance provides a rest area with amenities like restrooms and bike tools. Remember that water sources can be limited along the path, so bring your own, though vault toilets are available at the trail ends. This route is generally accessible and enjoyable for most cyclists.

This trail is part of the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, tracing a former railway line with historical markers explaining the area's past. It's also a key connector, linking to other major routes like the Des Plaines River Trail and the I&M Canal Trail. The Columbia Woods Forest Preserve itself offers access to the Chicago Portage National Historic Site, making this an excellent choice for those interested in local history and extensive trail networks.