Field guide
The 606 trail in Chicago: access, hours and rules
Official information for runners and hikers on the 606 trail in Chicago. Find the trail length, surface, hours, access points, and parking details.
The 606 is an elevated park and trail system in Chicago, with the Bloomingdale Trail as its centerpiece. The trail is a multi-use recreational path for biking, running, and strolling.
This page provides official information for using the trail, including its location, hours, surface details, and rules for visitors.
Official facts at a glance
- 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)
- Easiest transit access
- CTA Blue Line (Western or Damen stops)
- Dog rules
- Dogs must be on a short leash
- Activities allowed
- Biking, running, strolling
- Vehicle rules
- No motorized or commercial vehicles allowed
- Trail etiquette
- Stay to the right, pass on the left, step aside if you stop, keep dog on short leash
- Access points
- 12 access points, approximately every quarter-mile, with 17 access ramps, all accessible
Sources: The 606 (chicagoparkdistrict.com), Visit the 606 (chicagoparkdistrict.com). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The route and surface
The Bloomingdale Trail is 2.7 miles long. It is located along the 1800N corridor, running between Ashland Avenue on the east and Ridgeway Avenue on the west.
The trail has a 10-foot-wide path for general use. Along both sides of this main path are 2-foot-wide running tracks.
Hours and getting there
The 606 is open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. There are 12 access points, which are located approximately every quarter-mile. The trail has 17 access ramps, and all are accessible.
The CTA Blue Line provides the easiest transit access via the Western or Damen stops. There is no dedicated parking facility. Metered and unmetered street parking can be found in the surrounding neighborhoods, but some areas may require resident permits.
Rules and trail etiquette
Users should stay to the right and pass on the left. If you stop, step to the side of the path. Motorized and commercial vehicles are not permitted on the trail.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a short leash. The Chicago Park District requires permits for organized events, but permits are not issued for private events, runs, walks, or bike rides on the Bloomingdale Trail.
Before you go
- Confirm your plans are within the operating hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- If driving, allow extra time to find street parking, as there is no dedicated facility.
- The trail is 2.7 miles long, so plan your distance accordingly.
- Remember that the path is shared with cyclists and people strolling.
- If you bring a dog, it must be on a short leash.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Chicago. All cities: City running and hiking guides.