Type: Paved Path, Point-to-point
Difficulty: 3 / 10
Altitude: 585 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, with leash
Jog-Stroller Friendly: Unknown
Filed Under: Running
An 18-mile paved jogging/biking path snakes around Lake Michigan, providing runners with an aesthetic view of nature and even more motivation for running. Like New York's Central Park, it's kind of an excape from the city for a little while, while still remaining right there. Waves explode on the rocks of the shore into a thousand rainbow-flecked drops. Hundreds of trees provide shade in the summer and a canvas for the myriad of rich gold, red and orange hues with the onset of autumn. The path hugs the shoreline of Lake Michigan the entire length of the city, with waves occasionally crashing up onto the path in heavy surf. Whether jogging or just enjoying a brisk walk, the path is cathartic and relaxing. This is especially true when catching a glimpse of a sailboat gracefully cutting through the water, canvas sails flapping in synchronization with the lapping waves.
You'll find it hard to get lost once you locate the path, right on the shoreline. For a complete N-S run, follow these directions:
Southbound, start on the cinder path at Bryn Mawr. Continue south to Foster then turn left and follow the cinder path along the lake to the underpass before Wilson. Follow the cinder path to the lake side of Cricket Hill and through the Montrose underpass. Follow the asphalt path to your right, and merge with the bicycle path until after Belmont.
Turn right through the Barry underpass and follow the cinder path to the North Ave. pedestrian bridge. Cross the bridge and join the bicycle path again toward Navy Pier. Follow the path to the lake side of Lake Point Tower and across Illinois Ave. to the Chicago River bridge. Continue on the path past Monroe Street Harbor and on the upper sidewalk along Lake Shore Drive, downhill toward the museum campus.
Continue on the lake side of the Aquarium and continue south on the asphalt path past Soldier Field, to the lake side of McCormick Place, on the bike path along Lake Shore Drive, past the Museum of Science and Industry, past the 64th St. beach house to Marquette Drive (67th street). Follow the sidewalk along South Shore Drive almost to 71st street where the 18-mile mark is posted.
Access the parkway anywhere along it's length. Each year (based on new construction projects and other sources of closures or detours) the city park district moves the mile markers.
Posted by: tradkelly and last modified on Feb 02, 2006 by thoos
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