Part of Cook County’s North Branch Trail System and wrapping around the Skokie Lagoon, the Black Trail is the perfect trail for an after-work walk. Clocking in at 4.4 miles, this dog-friendly loop connects to neighborhoods in Glencoe and Winnetka, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and the Tower Road and Forest Way Grove entrances.
Overall Thoughts on the Skokie Lagoon Trail:
Difficulty (Lower is Easier)
Amenities
Transportation & Accessibility:
Crowding:
Views & Wildlife:
Overall Rating:
Difficulty
Overall the Skokie Lagoon Black trail is rated as moderately strenuous but most of its difficulty comes from the length of the trail and lack of options to cutback. The trail is a 4.2-mile loop, with no options to make the hike shorter once begun short of turning around. With that being said the trail is both paved and mostly flat meaning you can take it at whatever pace works best for you.
One other thing to note is that you should make sure to pay attention to more than just the views as this is a shared path between bikers and pedestrians. The bikers were mostly courteous about ringing their bell or yelling out to let us know they were passing but that may not always be the case.
Another quirk to this trail is the fact that in a few spots, you do have to cross Tower Road. However, these spots have signs and zebra crossings.
Transportation
When it comes to getting to the trail you do have some options.
For drivers, the trail has two starting points with parking at Tower Road and Forest Way Grove.
It is also possible to get to this trail via Metra using the Union Pacific North (UP-N) line. However, it is a walk to get to the walk or a bike ride to get to the bike ride. This option does add 1.4 miles each way (2.8 total!) to the trip. Which could mean more than a 7-mile adventure if you plan on doing this loop.
If you are biking, find out more about taking your bike on the train here! And as always make sure to check train schedules before you go. On Sundays, Metra tends to have fewer trains.
Beauty & Wildlife
Overall, we felt like the trail suffered from its location. Although we were impressed with the view of the lagoons, we quickly realized that the best views were the sights we caught from the comfort of the car on our drive to the trail. Plus in the car, there might have been less road noise.
The Black Trail follows roads for most of its length and when it isn’t following the road, only a row of trees/hedges are separating the path from the highway traffic of I-90.
If you are in this area, say, even for the botanic garden, it is a pretty drive to add to your trip. You could even make the loop around the lagoon via your car. However, I would suggest going down Tower Road, and stopping at Tower Road Entrance for photos!
Wildlife-wise you can expect to see Geese, Ducks, Caterpillars, and even an occasional Garden Snake.
Know before you go: Skokie Lagoon Black Trail
When it comes to amenities the trail features about what you would expect from a county forest preserve. Portapotties are available at the parking areas and there are also benches throughout the trail, offering opportunities to rest.
If you are looking for more adventures beyond the path, the lagoons do offer opportunities for fishing. Kayaking and Canoe Rentals are also available near the Tower Road entrance. If, on the other hand, you are looking to expand your hike, the trail does connect to the North Branch Trail System’s Red Trail.
Return to Trail Guides.
I love the pictures you include with your blog!
Can’t wait to see where winter takes you in your travels!
Thanks! I am looking forward to some winter hikes and exploring some downtowns in the Chicagoland area!