PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

If you and your date are into bike riding, then this is probably the trail you two are going to want to tackle! It’s 17 miles start to finish, but so easy breezy that you won’t even feel it, even if you aren’t in the best of shape. And hey – the price can’t be beat (it’s all FREE!) And, it’s very secluded yet safe trails allow plenty of PDA and getting to know you time, too!

Make an entire day of it, preferably on a week day when the temperature is just right, from dawn up to dusk. Plan ahead by packing two packs of everything you’ll need for your journey: plenty of water, energy bars, non perishable lunch items, sun block, and a large blanket to lounge on. (Remember to drop some ice in your water bottles, too!) No glass is allowed. Be sure to start your day with a satisfying breakfast that is hearty but won’t make you sluggish: fruit, grains and yogurt are great choices. Also, be sure to print out a trail map from Cook County Forest Preserve web site, so you can be sure you get to visit as many great little scenic stops along the way. On that tangent, bringing a camera along isn’t a bad idea, either! There is just so much wild life to capture along the way, including deer!

Either load your car with your bikes or ride the buses or Metra train in, making your starting point at Caldwell woods. There is plenty of street parking in the surrounding neighborhood, which is very safe and pretty, so no fears there! Simply load up your gear, just on your bikes and go! If your bikes are built with a little gravel and dirt in mind and your bodies are up to it, go ahead and opt for the unpaved ones! You’ll get a much better view of the natural landscape, and yes, it’s much less used! In my opinion, the Yellow Trail is the best, because it tends to follow the river the most, and since other folks like it too, it’s more paved than the others. It also happens to go right through the Skokie Lagoon, it taps all the bathroom breaks, and it will lead you right to the Black (paved) Trail, heading right for Botanical Gardens. Now speaking of bath rooms, the last one until the gardens is a little before the overpass, so be sure to keep that in mind!

Once you get to the gardens, be sure to invest at least a couple hours there. There are plenty of spots to lock up your bikes, and hey – you can even ride a tram if don’t feel like walking! And yes, there is a snack shop and cafe inside as well, in case you’ve already depleted your food supply or want something a little different. Just remember to fill up your water bottles before you leave!