Originally Posted by
Bobby Boy
SoSo can I just head south out of the forest preserve parking lot on the Centennial trail down towards Rt 83. Or do I have to cross over somewhere at the beginning of the ride?
Centennial trail goes all the way through, and merges with the I&M canal towpath trail in Romeoville. When you reach 135th street, cross the I&M canal going east on 135th and you can pick up the trail again. You have to do a hairpin turn north, then west, then go under the bridge.
The I&M trail from Willow Springs does not go through but ends at Rt. 83. You can get up on Rt. 83 and go north until you see centennial trail. There is a break in the concrete barriers leading to a gated dirt road, and the paved path extends up to connect with the barrier-protected sidewalk on that raised part of 83.
There is a section of the I&M trail in Lemont but it is not connected at either end and at least a few months ago it didn't look like anyone was maintaining the southbound trail.