Field guide
Running routes in Chicago from official city sources
Find official information on Chicago running routes for visitors. This guide covers the Lakefront Trail, The 606, Lincoln Park, and the Riverwalk.
For long distance runs, the Lakefront Trail offers 18 miles of separated paths along the water. For a shorter, elevated route through neighborhoods, The 606 provides a 2.7-mile trail.
For walks or runs combined with sightseeing, the Chicago Riverwalk is a pedestrian path through downtown. Humboldt Park and the Lincoln Park Diversey Natural Area have paved and gravel paths through natural settings.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakefront Trail | 18 miles; 18.5 miles | Normal operating hours | Not listed |
| Lincoln Park | Not listed | Not listed | Paved |
| The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail) | 2.7 miles | Every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. | 10-foot-wide path with 2-foot-wide running tracks along both sides |
| Chicago Riverwalk | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Humboldt Park | Not listed | Dawn to dusk daily | Paved and crushed gravel |
Lakefront Trail
The Lakefront Trail is an 18-mile route used for commuting, marathon training, and strolling. It provides access to the lake for recreational purposes. In 2018, the trail was separated into a bike trail and a pedestrian trail. The pedestrian trail is 18.5 miles long. Before using the trail, review the official Symbols Guide for safety information.
- Purpose
- Access to the lake for recreational purposes and active transportation route
- Northern terminus
- Ardmore Ave.
- Southern terminus
- 71st St.
- Overall trail length
- 18 miles
- Bike Trail length
- 18 miles
- Pedestrian Trail length
- 18.5 miles
- Operating hours
- Normal operating hours
- Safety guidance
- Review the Symbols Guide before accessing the trails
Source: Lakefront Trail (chicagoparkdistrict.com). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Lincoln Park
The Diversey Natural Area is located within Lincoln Park. It has an accessible, paved pathway with several benches for resting. The path goes through a little over three acres of native prairie, savanna, and wetland habitats. Visitors should follow all posted signage and Natural Areas Rules and Regulations to keep wildlife safe.
- Name of area
- Lincoln Park – Diversey Natural Area
- Area description
- A little over three acres of native prairie, savanna, and wetland habitats
- Main Address
- Wellington Ave. and N. Lake Shore Dr. W., Chicago, IL 60657
- Located within
- Lincoln (Abraham) Park
- Pathway surface
- Paved
- Public transportation information
- Visit www.transitchicago.com for directions
- Wildlife rules
- Follow posted signage and Natural Areas Rules and Regulations to keep wildlife wild, safe, and healthy
- Accessibility
- Is Accessible
Source: Lincoln Park (chicagoparkdistrict.com). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Lincoln Park parking and trail information
The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail)
The 606 is an elevated 2.7-mile trail for biking, running, and strolling. It features a 10-foot-wide path with 2-foot-wide running tracks on both sides. The trail is open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and has 12 access points with 17 accessible ramps.
Trail etiquette requires users to stay to the right and pass on the left. Dogs must be kept on a short leash, and no motorized vehicles are allowed. There is no dedicated parking facility, but metered and street parking are available in surrounding neighborhoods.
- What it is
- Elevated Bloomingdale Trail, centerpiece of The 606
- Location
- Along Bloomingdale Trail (1800N) between Ashland (1600W) and Ridgeway (3750W)
- Trail length
- 2.7 miles
- Trail surface/width
- 10-foot-wide path with 2-foot-wide running tracks along both sides
- Operating hours
- Every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Event permits
- Required for any organized event from Chicago Park District
- Bloomingdale Trail permit restrictions
- Not permitted for private events, runs, walks, or bike ride permits
- Parking
- No dedicated facility; metered and street parking in surrounding neighborhoods (some areas may require resident permits)
Sources: The 606 (chicagoparkdistrict.com), Visit the 606 (chicagoparkdistrict.com). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: The 606 trail in Chicago: access, hours and rules
Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is a continuous pedestrian walkway along the main branch of the Chicago River, connecting the lakefront to downtown. The path is divided into six distinct blocks from State Street to Lake Street. It features public seating, floating gardens, and access points from Upper Wacker.
- Type of place
- continuous walkway and recreational amenity
- Type of place
- pedestrian walkway and public amenity
- Location
- along the main branch of the Chicago River, connecting the lakefront with the heart of downtown
- Thematic blocks
- six blocks from State Street west to Lake Street: The Marina (State to Dearborn); The Cove (Dearborn to Clark); The River Theater (Clark to LaSalle); The Swimming Hole (LaSalle to Wells); The Jetty (Wells to Franklin) and The Boardwalk (Franklin to Lake)
- The Marina features
- restaurant retail space and public seating
- The River Theater features
- vertical access between Upper Wacker and the Riverwalk level
- The Cove features
- kayak rental retail space and human-powered watercraft docking
- The Swimming Hole features
- area for recreation, which may include a water feature such as a zero-depth fountain
Source: City of Chicago :: Chicago Riverwalk (chicago.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Chicago Riverwalk parking and official trail guide
Humboldt Park
Humboldt Park is located approximately 5 miles northwest of downtown. Its Natural Area contains around 30 acres of habitats with paved and crushed gravel paths. These paths are open daily from dawn to dusk. Visitors should follow all posted rules and regulations.
- Fieldhouse facility type
- Humboldt Cultural Center/Fieldhouse
- Natural Area description
- Around 30 acres of woodland, savanna, prairie, wetland, and aquatic habitats
- Park location
- Approximately 5 miles northwest of downtown Chicago
- Fieldhouse address
- 1440 N. Humboldt Blvd. Chicago, IL 60622 United States
- Natural Area address
- 1400 N. Sacramento Ave. Chicago, IL 60622 United States
- Audio walking tour duration
- Approximately 1 hour
- Natural Area path surface
- Paved and crushed gravel
- Fieldhouse hours (Mon-Fri)
- 9:00 am-8:30 pm
Sources: Humboldt Park Audio Tour (chicagoparkdistrict.com), Humboldt Cultural Center/Fieldhouse (chicagoparkdistrict.com), Humboldt Park Natural Area (chicagoparkdistrict.com). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Before you go
- Check operating hours before you go. The 606 is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., while park natural areas are typically open dawn to dusk.
- Be aware of trail etiquette. On The 606, stay to the right and pass on the left, and step aside if you stop.
- The Lakefront Trail has separate, dedicated paths for bikes and pedestrians.
- Parking availability varies. The 606 has no dedicated lot, while Humboldt Park has two lots with different hours.
- If you are with a dog, it must be on a short leash on trails like The 606.
- Follow all posted rules, especially in natural areas, to protect wildlife.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.