Bike to the Garden

The trail is open during Garden hours.

Buy Garden Admission

 

Cyclists can slow down to smell the roses—and the lilacs, geraniums, and other fragrant plants. Bicycle racks are conveniently located near the parking lots. Speed limit on all bike paths at the Garden is 8 miles per hour.

Ride the North Branch Trail to other forest preserves along the 20-mile path to Chicago; or use the one-mile link between the North Branch Trail and Green Bay Trail to go north. This multiuse path passes through the Garden’s McDonald Woods and through Turnbull Woods, which is part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. In partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the Garden has created this beautiful and accessible trail. Look for interpretive signs describing the moraine, wetland, and woodland regions of the Garden's landscape. Read the story behind the newest addition to the North Branch Trail.

The Stone Family Picnic Glade features a covered and open-air picnic area—with a breathtaking lakeside view of the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden. There is no admission fee to stop at the Picnic Glade. Bicyclists, walkers, and all visitors are welcome to take a break with a packed snack or picnic.

Please Note:

The part of the trail that travels through the Garden is open only during operating hours.

Download the North Branch Trail map to plan your route.

View or download a Garden map showing the bike route on Garden grounds.