Chicago Lakefront Path
- Good for Kids: Yes
54 Reviews for Chicago Lakefront Path
The good news about the lakefront path:
Keep riding or jogging south of the beaches and Navy Pier and it really opens up. All the sunbathers, volleyball players, and tourists are loathe to journey to the dreaded "South Side" so once you pass McCormick Place the path is yours to enjoy. Take it down to La Rabida, stop and have a drink of water, turn around, and ride home. Just be aware that the path will always - forever - be clogged between Oak Street and Belmont, or thereabouts.
The bike path is great anytime of the year! I live right off the lake so I am fortunate enough to get daily use of the path for most of the year. Chicagoans should be use to the congestion, and avoid the peak times and areas if they don't like it. Give the tourists a break! I appreciate that they plow and salt the path during the winter. I also dig all the brave shirtless people in this city, rock on!
My only beef is the narrow sidewalk over the river, it is very dangerous! Nobody wants to fall onto lower LSD.
All in all it is great exercise, people watching, and a somewhat safe way for pedestrians and bikers to travel.
The lakefront path in the summer can't be beat!
The convenience of having free weekday parking on Recreation Ave. saves a lot of headaches and drama. I love parking my car, jumping out and hit the path running. The path is much more friendly during the day, as the afternoon crowd brings out the bikers and roller bladers. These people have very little respect for runners and people talking a walk along the path. If you don't move fast, they will run you over. Period.
There are also tons of things to do along the path. Right at Irving Park and the path, there are several tennis courts and softball fields. My lady and I watched an intense softball game after completing a 2.5 mile run last night. These guys were really, really good. It was fun watching competitive softball, sitting in the grass and just straight-up chillin'. Makes me love the city that much more, and appreciate how well Mayor Daley has preserved the Chicago Lakefront.
I usually stop running around the North Ave beach, and then head back. The congestion around that area is too much. If you are into huge crowds and volleyball games, then hit North Ave. If not, turn around and head back North.
And have no fear about the Southside path, it's not dangerous at all. I used to park my car in the 35th street lot and run to the Shedd. I never had any problems at all, even at night. When there is a concert at Northerly Island, you can run down to the pier and listen to the concert for free. I did that a few times last year, good times!!
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I will admit, before I started training for the marathon, I was a complete skeptic. I was afraid the lakefront path was full of wannabes working on their tans while strolling and texting on their phones. There definitely are too many people (in my opinion - it's a workout, not a place to strut your new outfit) wanting to be seen on the path....
But good news - there has really only been one girl who I swear thought it was Miami Vice day - complete outfit consisting of undies, teased hair, and rollerblades. I almost doubled over laughing, so thanks.
I am a major, major fan of all of the drinking fountains. That's really the reason I run here. In addition, the new stretch of path where it has the sponge-y new "road" - heaven on my knees after three knee surgeries. I only wish the whole path was that way.
It was perfect timing that I just recovered from an injury that kept me from running for over 2 months since I knew I'd be in Chicago and would finally have the opportunity run on the Lakefront Path after seeing it so many times in movies and hearing what a great running city Chicago is.
I started at Navy Pier and ran south towards Soldier Field. The weather was perfect (about 70 and sunny) and the view of the lake was spectacular. For a Saturday morning it wasn't that crowded and the nice people at the CARA water table let my brother have a drink even though we aren't part of the Association.
After having been out of the running game for so long, there is nothing like the flat, neverending path at Lakefront to keep you motivated and relaxed while you run. It's no San Francisco Golden Gate Park (my home turf) but it easily comes in second as my favorite place to run.
Ok so this review will be more like a vent than anything, but living in the city and wanting to ride my bike for exercise and not get run over by delivery trucks, cabs, buses or the many forms of clueless motorists forces me to the path. Here I have at least a 50/50 shot of surviving the crash and being a pretty big guy on a fast road bike probably makes my chances greater.
First thing, (spring '08) it is completely inexcusable that the stretch of the path north of Belmont remains closed. This was supposed to be done December. What does the Park District not understand about this? What has now been created very dense traffic spot that has a huge potential for accidents and will just keep getting worse. The new path looks great and can't wait for it to open, but get it done already.
Second, the marked lane areas are for bikes please don't walk 3-4 abreast in these areas or worse, straddle the path with your cooler. Don't get mad at me when I say "on your left" and then when you don't move I say something about it being a bike path and that there are plenty of sidewalks. I am trying to help both of us. Believe me you don't want my 220 lb body running into you at 20 mph. I am only going to drop my shoulder to brace for the impact. (Unless you are dumb enough to allow your kids to run around on the path unsupervised. Then I get to take the brunt of the crash, but I do reserve the right to find you and punch you in the face)
Third, I can't decide to say when to say "on your left" and when not to. Most people aren't really sure what it means. So they will look left, which makes them go left. Others are cluelessly listening to their iPods and can't hear you. I am not a technophobe in fact I have the requisite iPod and iPhone and like to wear them when riding, but you need to be able to hear the things going on around you in the high traffic areas. Others just don't care or are rollerbladers (didn't those things go out of style in '98?). I got into a collision with a guy on rollerblades after I said "on your left." He said "I don't care what you said" so I am at a loss when to say it. Then you have your folks that get mad when you don't say it. If I feel like I can safely navigate around you without saying it then I do. Sorry.
Fourth, now I get to pick on my own kind. Seriously, slow down in congested areas. How ever temping it may be, the area around North Ave. Beach is not the best place to open it up when it's crowded. The differences in speed can be very dangerous and we can't expect that people will be self aware. Also, in the previously mentioned areas of path closure, it would probably be better to just get off your bike and walk it.
So, it is a love/hate relationship with this path. I just wish that we could have some common courtesy but that may prove more difficult than world peace.
This may not be the place for this rant, but those looking for recreation in Chicago should know that this path is a great place to see the city and get some exercise. Just keep your head on a swivel, hold your kids hand and be courteous.
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Life is too short to just sit around and complain, so take your Debbie Downer negatives about the lakefront path and walk off the end of Navy Pier. Let me remind you that we are in the Midwest, the land-locked portion of the county, and Lake Michigan is the closest thing to an ocean many will ever see. What better way to get out and see it than on the 20-mile stretch of lakefront path? Whether it's just for a casual stroll or hardcore exercise, how many people can say they have a nearly constant view of a cool skyline on one side and a great lake on the other? If you get bored with those things, you can always make friends with the birds or squirrels, just make sure you don't cut anyone off when you move to the right.
Apply common courtesy and obey the rules, just get out there.
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Come in the winter, and you get to walk on water, or at least it looks like it since the waves have frozen a thick layer over the cement.
Come in the height of summer and you will dodge mothers with strollers, intense bikers, wandering tourists, and shirtless runners.
My favorite times of the year for the lakefront path are spring and fall, when the path is open but the crowds are a little less thick. I learned to rollarblade here, and I've never had so much fun exercizing in my life. Being near the lakefround helps me avoid the claustrophobic dirty-city mentality. Every time I get out with the wind on my face and the sound of waves, I remember why I LOVE this city.
At night when the crowds are down, walked to the lighthouse at North Ave. beach is awesome. Rollarblading down to the path by Shedd Aquarium affords you the best view of Chicago that you can find. I used to stop and take pictures of the rumpled men concentrating on their games at the Chess Pavilion.
Dallas has nothing like this. I miss it dreadfully.
I've been biking here for the past couple of months,and I haven't really had any problems.The view is great,most of the riders and drivers are polite,the convinient water fountain and bathroom locations.This place is one of my favorite locations in Chicago,but it doesn't get 5 stars because of one thing-some people who run/bike/rollerblade there act like the whole thing belongs to them and they're the only ones on there.Other than that-this place is great.
Fuck you confused suburbanites that don't know how to ride a bike on the freaking bike path. YOU DONT RIDE INTRO TRAFFIC!!!! thanks to two little old ladies I had to get stitches in the emergency room over the summer. AVOID THE PATH IN THE SUMMER IF YOUR ON A BIKE.
Its like every wacko in the summer likes to walk along this path and pretend they are exercising...YOU ARE NOT EXERCISING WITH A DAMN HOT DOG IN YOUR MOUTH!!!!
oh yea, and gotta love the Rollerblades swinging their arms everywhere
3 stars for winter time bike path though...he's my friend. But Summer time bike path is the drunk uncle at Thanksgiving. If you haven't seen him in awhile you think it may be a good idea to see him...but after being with good ol unc for a few minutes your remember why you stopped going to family functions
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The lakefront path is the very best aspect of Chicago.
Running. You can run anytime on the path regardless of other traffic. A little bit of courtesy goes a long way.
Cycling can be trickier. On the one hand, I've hit my top speeds on the path of 35 mph with a tail wind. On the other hand, its unethical to go over 10 mph on a busy day. Its all about picking your timing. A lot of very serious cyclists get good 30 mile rides in by starting at 5:00 am. I think that's the best time to use the path anyway. You can see the city waking up as the sun rises over lake Michigan if you get out there early enough. Awesome!
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The debate over the lakefront path will continue well beyond our years. When I first started cycling, I was afraid to ride on the road, scared to death a car would hit me. So I started on the lakefront path. Eventually, as I became more comfortable riding on the road, I started to realize that the road is much safer for cyclists than the crowded lakefront path because cars are often more predictable than people pushing baby strollers, roller-bladers pushing along with dogs on leashes, and the random runner who decides to turn around to head the other way without looking to see who he/she may be cutting off.
I do still ride on the path as it's a very convenient route for me to get to work. However, I also do so knowing that I need to be courteous (and smart!) about how I ride, and hope that others will do the same. There are a lot of stupid and inconsiderate people on the path, but that comes with the territory.
Regardless, I do love to ride along the lake! I especially enjoy spending a few quiet minutes each morning watching the sun rise over the water.
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Best time to hit the path is early in the day during the summer. During the winter, it's a great place to ride. Cleaning your bike afterwards is a pain, but still worth it.
During the day in the summer, beware of morons on their cell phones just standing in the middle of the path. I have to give it four stars because I saw a cyclist hit one of these people. I love comedy.
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Biking on Lakefront Path beside Lake Michigan with a gentle summer breeze,the warm sunshine, views of the beach,pier and the Chicago city skyline. What could be better? :)
I am an avid user of the path and it is a classic love/hate relationship we share. I love the path for its convenience. Living off of Foster and Sheridan, I am a mere block away from the path. It is also a fantastic mode of transportation. I used to rollerblade from Irving Park to Jackson in 45 minutes...about 10 minutes faster than my morning commute on the #148 bus. It is manicured well and the scenery can't be beat. I also highly recommend this as a people watching spot.
The hate part comes from the crowds (especially between Irving Park and Belmont). There are always people who take up the entire path, making it difficult to pass. There are also a few rough spots along the path that make it unfriendly to rollerblading and cycling.
All in all, not a bad place to spend some time and it got me through my first round of marathon training, thanks to the water fountains spread along the way. Just be courteous to your fellow path dwellers and we'll all give it a 5 star rating!
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The lakefront is awesome for a walk, run, or bike ride, and is one reason why I will never move too far west. I want quick access to the shore! The scenery changes as you move north or south and is a good spot for people watching if you're into that sort of thing. My favorite lengths are the stretch by museum row, North Avenue beach, and the area up by Irving Park.
My only word of caution is that people please stay aware of your surroundings. There are some serious bikers and rollerbladers moving at blistering speeds, and could easily take out someone who is on his or her feet. And on beautiful days, it is really crowded and hard to maneuver in some of the tighter spots along the path.
Dear tourists,
Welcome to Chicago! We hope you enjoy your stay here, including the use of our beautiful Lakefront Path. However, we kindly remind you that the path is also used by locals, many of whom are trying to get somewhere.
Please do not aimlessly bike in the middle of the lane--stay to the side! Much like driving, slower bicyclists should stay to the right.
Please do not stop in the middle of the path to take a picture--move to the side! Also, that building you're stopping for is not the Sears Tower, it's the John Hancock Center.
Please do not bike three across--you won't lose each other if you bike behind each other!
And most of all, please do not rent those Flinstones-car-like monstrosities. They take up the entire path and you never seem to be able to figure them out. Unless you want to wear a neon sign that screams, "I'm a tourist who has money! I don't know anything about this city!", don't rent one of these.
See you by the lake!
Your Friendly Chicago Bikers
P.S.--When someone yells "Passing on the left!", it means they will go around you to your left. (This is the side you start reading a book from, in case you are not sure.) This does not mean you should move left, as then you will run into them and make them fall over, which is not cool.
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I AM the Chicago Lakefront Path:
I can help you avoid traffic
I provide you with exercise
I grant you incredible views of the city
I test your patience with daydreaming pedestrians
I challenge your coordination with unmarked obstacles
I bring people together
I knock people down
I skin your knees
I break your arms
I witness drunkeness, coitus, stupidity, happiness, and death on a daily basis
I put up with your strollers, rolling coolers, flip-flops, sneakers, rollerblades, bikes, spit, scooters, dog poop, vomit, sweat, blood, and tears
I am your best friend
I am your most feared enemy
I AM the Chicago Lakefront Path
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Oh lakefront path, I think you are the thing about chicago I'm going to miss the most.
We spent so many long runs together. When I was overheated, you gave me Gatorade stations. When I had suntan lotion in my eyes, you let me rinse in your water fountains. When I was pale, you offered me your beaches.
I think my favorite moments were those spent together in quiet bliss... watching the sunrise together on my early morning runs or waving to the other runners crazy enough to be with you on a cold or rainy day.
I know there will be paths in north carolina.... ones with hills even. But I'll never forget you.
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The Lakefront path is often my route to work. It's just so beautiful and it makes me happy to be in this wonderful city. My favorite part is when I get the Fullerton bend and then down a little incline and I'm going nice and fast and then BAM! there's the city. It makes me happy every morning that I see it.
I've actually never tried biking here on a weekend, but the sunny afternoons are kind of crowded and treachorous. Just today I almost killed a baby when her dad was carrying here and almost walked right in front of me and didn't even look. People do need to learn some ettiquette.....and survival instincts. However, these people are usually only out in sunny weather. When it rains, is cold or windy, we crazy people have the path to ourselves. I really can't begrudge the silly people their 4 months of fun.
The mornings (before 8 am) are a great time to use this path. The sun will be shining and the only people out know how to use a multi-use trail....also it's a great ride to work.
What a great amenity for Chicago to offer its people!
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As a cyclist, I HATE ROLLERBLADERS, little kids weaving in and out, and dumb ass people who have no sense to stick to one side, look around them, and be aware.
I've had two very serious accidents on the path on my bike:
1) Weekend cyclist with no clue about eiquitte. When you are going to pass or do something, look around and tell the people around you. This guy just whips out as I was passing him and I go flying. Bad enough to bend my front wheel and me get knocked senseless. Guy gave me $100 on the spot because he saw I was hurting (and boy was I!)
2) Could with kid on big wheel on path. Hello! Kids don't care about what is going on around them, you need to watch them!! Once again, I am yelling out that I am passing an on what side and this kid just turns in front of me. I made the choice to drop my bike and slide in order not to hit the kid. My bike shorts shredded so my buttock was hanging out, my arm and leg completely burned and bloody, and I am seeing stars as my head hit the pavement even though I have a helmet on. THEN the parents had the NERVE to tell me to watch what I am doing because I almost hurt their precious, precious. Excuse my language (FUCKERS). At least my bike didn't suffer that time.
Anyway, I wish they would make the path so that "Rollerbladers and idiots who never learned to look both ways when crossing the street here" and "People who are serious about cycling here"
The path is MUCH better after you hit the Shedd going south. I think people are too scared of the South side to go on the path that side- Which is FINE by me because at least I can focus.
I've given up cycling everyday for the past 3 years so maybe its changed but I think its gotten worse. Great path for everyone BUT cyclists!
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My only gripe doesn't have anything to do with the path so much as people that use the path. I'm usually running on the path from Fullerton to the Hancock building so as you've guessed there's a lot of traffic. However traffic isn't the problem so much as the group of 4 people that insist that they walk side to side with a what we call the "heterosexual buffer" between each of them thusly taking up most of the path.
And if you have a little dog on a long leash or a little kid pay CLOSE attention to them. Some cyclists travel around pretty quickly. I have seen many instances where I thought they were going to get killed.
Even with its downsides though I will always try to live close to the lake just for the path. It's a beautiful long stretch you can run relatively mindlessly and there are plenty to fill your eyes if you're into people watching. Run early enough and you get to see the sun rise.
I have this phobia that I'm going to trip over myself, fall in the lake, and lose my keys. Anybody else?
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I know there are a gazillion reviews about the path, and I likely will not say anything new; but I just moved out to Chicago, don't know anyone, am stressing about my new job, don't know the city at all, so this is a truly welcome reprieve for me. I don't usually yelp locations that have a ton of reviews, but I just got back from a run tonight and was marveling at the variety of scenery along the way and had to yelp it. And I've only run a small portion of the path...My first Chicago review...
I've lived and traveled in some great running cities including Los Angeles (the Arroyo up to the Rose Bowl, amazing trail running/hiking, and the BEACH!), New York City (Central Park any day, people), and Buenos Aires (miles of beautiful parks), and in my short experience here so far, I'm going to have to put Chicago's Lakefront path right up there. Yes, it's crowded; yes, there are people who don't know multi-use path etiquette, but it's still a long path with gentle mini-slopes, right by the water with lots of friendly people out doing the same thing you are.
From the beautiful skyline representing some of the most important architects in history, to the lake, to the museums, and finally to all the people watching, I don't think that any other running paths combine all of this. And I will say, LA is supposed to have some of the most beautiful people in the world, but I say the running and cycling folks of Chicago and NYC are far better looking and far more athletic. So go, Chicago!
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I am pretty big into cycling so I'm out here for at least three hours a day. I live downtown but go as far north as Montrose, am looking to go to the Gardens in Highland Park soon, and past Soldier Field. It's beautiful. I love Olive Park, Buckingham Fountain, and the Nature Preserve that is just south of the Planetarium. It's my favorite spot in Chicago!
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You've really got to watch it on this path! Bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, people running, people walking, and people just standing in the middle of it for no apparent reason.
I still need to get my bike out, but I really enjoy walking it. I actually prefer to walk on the paths right next to the lake. They're more scenic and the people are chattier. =) (hmmm... wonder if there's an "inner lakefront path" yelp listing?)
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We are so fortunate in Chicago to have such a great trail along the lakefront. The lakefront path definitely deserves 5 stars, but the reason I can't give that is because it gets so crowded that it can sometimes become outright dangerous.
It's awesome once you get south of the museum campus, but especially the area north of Navy Pier is not suitable for bikers, runners, rollerbladers, etc. all at the same time. I rode my bike there once, and never again. Just as others have pointed out, it's not safe because too many people are completely unaware of what they're doing (crossing the path without looking, swerving across lanes, etc.) and too many people are going way too fast in crowded sections of the path.
Bottom line: This trail is great, but for cycling it's just not suitable until you go waaay south.
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I heart Chicago! There are countless reasons for this but the Chicago Lakefront Path is one of the major reasons. For me, there is absolutely nothing better than starting your day with a run at the Lake. Enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful sunrise fills me with so many positive emotions of happiness and gratitude. Running north past the Field Museum and seeing the Chicago skyline --- what a breathtaking sight!
I love the people out in the morning --- the nameless faces who help make the rest of my day go so much better.
- Thank you to the people who smile at me as I run past them.
-Thank you to the people that wave and say "Good morning".
- Thank you to guy who would always yell "Lookin fabulous!" and "Keep it up!" as I was dying during my marathon training runs.
-Thank you the newspaper guy who stands at the lower Randolph exit off Lake Shore drive for always wishing me every morning.
I love all of you!!
And finally thank you Chicago Lakefront Path for making me a runner!!
[Update: So my friend read this review and told me that the person I should really be thanking for the Chicago Lakefront is Montgomery Ward. He spent 20 years and a small fortune fighting to preserve this land from commercial development. Poor guy died thinking his vision and efforts for the lake front were not appreciated. So I will say it now on Yelp - Thanks Mr. Montgomery Ward!]
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I've always found that courtesy begets courtesy, and hope the folks unable to follow the simple mantra of stay to the right don't get hurt, don't cause anyone else to get hurt, and eventually figure it out. The scenery (both human and terrestrial ;P) are great. I've found it pays to run a bit later in the evening when the path is a lot less crowded. Much of it is still moderately lit if it gets late. The path has just enough incline to it in spots that it was easy for me to train for the Chase Corporate Challenge... much better than using a treadmill in prior years. The path is a great thing to have nearby!
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Recommended for: Morning runs, outdoor volleyball and much, much more!
Activities 5, Scenery 6, Awesomeness 6.
This is Caroline's favorite part of Chicago and she shared this with me in a very special way - running along the lake shore enjoying the sunrise together!
We started very high North, much higher than she typically starts but was entertaining nevertheless. We ran by a building that looked like a boat (but was a place where people ate, hung out and relaxed). We ran past many condo's on the lake front which she hinted toward wanting to explore, and ran to the Navy pier. We didn't get farther south, but I hear it is less congested than where we were. Lots of cyclists riding in groups that weren't polite, but didn't see groups of runners.
I can definitely see why she likes this place and I really look forward to running here again. The lake front looks like it has so much to offer, and I can't wait to explore and experience it all!
Sean Approved: Absolutely Positively YES!!!
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As a novice runner, I should admit that I have really only run an honest-to-goodness stretch of about 3 miles on this path, but I did bike to work on it a few times from way up north to all the way downtown, and it was a wonderful alternative to commuting by bus or train. As soon as it warms up, I will start to do that again!
Things I Love About this Path:
*It is incredibly scenic with the lake, the skyline, and the stretches that are overgrown with trees. At certain points, you will forget you are in the city and feel as though you are on vacation.
*Though many path users exercise the right to tune everything out with an ipod and an overly focused and dead to the world facial expression, plenty of other people will actually smile & wave as you go by. I am one of these people. This kind of interaction is rare and it infuses a sense of life and humanity into a major metropolitan place.
*There is a dog beach near Belmont, and the dogs are adorable swimming and playing fetch in the water. It is a nice distraction from a long hard run, or a great place to stretch and cool down while watching the dogs play.
Things I Could Do Without:
*Some of the bikers are really aggressive and will run you down, or ride you down rather, if you are in the way. I had this happen to me once while rollerblading, and it was not pretty. I acknowledge that rollerbladers are probably pesky and hard to avoid, because of the unpredictable maneuvers they sometimes make and the wide stance that they have while pushing off to move forward, but still, I do not appreciate the "I Will Gladly Make Roadkill of You" attitude expressed by some of the bikers.
*Parts of the path on the northside are under construction at the moment, which limits which way and how far you can go.
*When you get near Navy Pier, there are some really treacherous parts of the path that feel like something straight out of American Gladiators. I swear there is one section of the path that is straight up sideways, and if I ever fall into Lake Michigan and contract some sort of ecoli, you better believe I will be pissed.
*It gets extremely crowded in the summer and on weekends, and there are parts of the path that people cross to get to parking lots and baseball fields. I have seen many a collision on these parts. Also, there are some people who choose to walk up and down the path with families and small children, which can be problematic.
Overall, we are lucky to even have this path, and I hope to see you all on it once it warms up!
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I think it is funny that I can review the lakefront path. I have ridden 500 miles on the path in the last 8 weeks. What can I say, it gets a 3 b/c the old path has good days and bad days.
My biggest beef is not with the path, but some of the Yahoos who don't know path courtesy. You NEVER stop in the middle of the path to chat with friends, you always look before you cross the path, etc. You would think this is common sense...if it is, many are lacking that department. The path does need a little work up north as some places are in pretty bad shape.
Captain Obvious here, but the best time to it the path is around 6am. Not too many people on it, and those that are on it that early, know the etiquitte. From Navy Pier North can be a nightmare, so be careful.
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I was never a big runner until I moved to Chicago three years ago. The Lakefront Path is a huge reason for this - so scenic and more importantly so accessible. When your mileage starts to creep above 3 or 4, streetlights, crosswalks and pedestrians become your sworn enemies. Thanks to "the path" I get to knock out two of the three nuisances. Not too shabby.
True, the path gets crowded. There are WAY too many morons on the planet to avoid poor running/biking/dog-walking etiquette. I run on the path all year - winter included - and at the first sniff of nice weather, chaos ensues. This is no fun, especially when you mean business.
However, when it comes right down to it, I can't really complain. On those mornings where I am fortunate enough (or crazy enough - not sure which) to see the sun rise over Lake Michigan, there is no other place I'd rather be.
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I love the lakefront path. I live right along the park and path, and while it does get crowded right after work, wait about an hour and go between 7:30-8:30 in the summer...much less crowded. I run from Belmont to Lawrence and back, and try to stay off the paved path (in the gravel or little dirt paths along the side) to stay out of the bikers/bladers' way. I know this is a public path for everyone to enjoy, but what really makes me a little peeved are A)standing in the middle of the path, and B)strollers being pushed at such a slow pace they are almost going backwards-this phenomenon often occurs in packs of two to three, taking up 2/3 of the whole path...other than that, LOVE the path! My dog loves to stop at the mini dog beach when I take her along for my runs, too!
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I am a water person so being on the lake helps calm me after a stressful day....And I really like Roller blading on it.
I try not to come on the weekends because people in masses are lets say not smart!
Every few evenings, I go for a blade....not right at 5 because than everyone is crazy. Its too crowded And you really can't go...
I'm a big fan of the the double loop...Belmont to division and back again...
The water is fabulous to watch too. It's always an interesting color...It's absolutely amazing to me that it can change from Gray to Turquoise...
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Best. Running place. Ever.
Need I say more? From montrose to 31st street beach is one of the nicest jogs you could ever hope for!
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The lakefront path is probably my favorite thing about Chicago. Portions of it are quite beat up from use by thousands of people every day. I hope the city never stops maintaining it because it's a great asset to so many people who love the outdoors.
Wear shades! In cities like Chicago you have to avoid bugs as well as waves of industrial grit. Not sand! I'm from Florida and I know the difference.
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Screw you, Lakefront Path for dashing all of my attempts to maintain a structured running pace. I map out my distance, check my speed and heart rate, bring myself to that target and then you go and send a beautiful, shirtless man running by, knowing full well that my instincts will take over and I will try and catch him while simultaneously trying to maintain composure during my run. That is why I am there, remember? Then you taunt me YET AGAIN by sending more shirtless wonders whizzing by at a rapidly increased speed by sticking them on rollerblades and bikes. By the time I get through half of my run I am a wheezing, sweaty, foul-mouthed, shell of a human being with her heart on the verge of exploding. So much for my self control. See you again tomorrow, you evil bastard.
On a more serious note, I agree that there should be some sort of lane designation or a widened path to accommodate for runners/walkers and our friends on wheels. Or at the very least, post the rules of etiquette at the path entrances.
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In so many ways, the Lakefront Path can be a microcosm of our society. If everyone who used the path co-operated and was considerate, it would be the most enjoyable place in the known universe.
However, like our society in general, the users of the Lakefront Path tend to display an entitlement attitude, concerned mostly with how they think the path should run, and are angry/dismissive of users who do not agree.
During crowded times, the Path can be absolutely treacherous, packed to the gills with shirtless muscle guys, dogs straining their leashes which bisect the path, cyclists decked out in full spandex regalia as they interval train, and random children dashing out in front of all of them.
When encountering such things, you have a choice - you can get angry, yell, scream, and post on message boards...or you can just keep blading/running/pedaling down, look out at the water, and realize that despite its shortcomings (or rather, the shortcomings of some of its users), the Path is a truly beautiful and unique thing in our city.
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Great location.
Great views.
It's one of many things to make Chicago so great.
Doesn't get five stars because it's inability to accomodate the multiple users of bikers, bladers, runners, walkers and tourist.
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