MAPS OF THE TRAIL
To view Adobe Acrobat PDF files, you need the free Acrobat Reader plug-in.
The Grand Illinois Trail map to the right is designed to help you plan your trip as you explore the Grand Illinois Trail. The guide divides the trail into eighteen section maps and several town maps that can be accessed by clicking on each section box. You'll find nearby accommodations including lodging, camping, food, and bike repair noted on the map for your convenience. Land markings, trail warnings and natural features are also noted.
Turn-by-turn cue sheets are available by selecting "Navigating the Trail" on the menu at the top of this page or by selecting the link for the specific section then selecting "Print this cue sheet".
You can print these maps and cue sheets for use during your trip. To reduce the amount of paper you have to carry we suggest that you print the section map on one side of the page and the corresponding cue sheet on the other.
The trail sections are divided in such a way as to make the maps easier to transport. They are NOT suggested day trips. You will notice that some cover 25 miles and others cover 50 miles. It is best to print out the maps and the corresponding cue sheets and plan your trip based on the length of day and/or by the sights you want to see.
Openlands recommended route is shown in green. Dashed lines indicate off-road trails, solid lines indicate on-road routes. A "Q" symbol is indicated on every map section to show the beginning and end points of the turn-by-turn instructions for that section. Recommended accommodations and services are listed by the following criteria:
- Communities with multiple restaurants near the trail are indicated by "multiple restaurants."
- Accommodations on or within a mile of the trail are listed. Communities with multiple accommodations are listed as such (eg: Chicago and Galena). Since accommodations are important to the multi-day trail user, those within a mile of the trail are listed, as well as those further than a mile in rural areas. Access to these accommodations is described, but caution should be used in traveling to these sites because of typically busier traffic.
- Openlands will list newly opened or missed accommodation locations if easily or reasonably accessible and close by to the trail. Openlands will use its discretion in deciding which sites shall be listed.
Purple routes are recommendations of other organizations but are still considered part of the Grand Illinois Trail. In most cases these alternate routes are for the more experienced bicyclist who is comfortable riding in traffic. Openlands' route alternatives are picked for those willing to achieve fewer miles per day, but to experience unique back road scenery. These alternative routes are often in areas where future trail construction has not yet occurred and temporary routes are needed. Most of the final trail construction should be accomplished in the next 5-10 years.
The GIT trail user should be very cognizant of three different plants that occur along almost all trails and roadsides: poison ivy, wild parsnip and stinging nettle. Consider these to be almost ubiquitous along the route. Their avoidance will make your trip much more enjoyable.
When on the trail follow the green and white "Grand Illinois Trail" signs along the named state and local trails, and on connecting on-road bicycle routes.
