Cal Sag Trail

The Cal Sag Trail is another excellent addition to the beautiful south and southwest burbs. Great for biking, running or hiking, the trail parallels the Cal Sag Canal from Lemont to, well, I’m not sure how far east it goes. I started at Rt. 83 and Willow Springs Rd. aka Flavin, 104^th Ave., Gilbert. It is almost entirely straight and pretty level with sections of woods, grasslands and the canal, visible along most of the route. The trail links up with the Swallow Cliff area and that whole network of trails.

I took my dog for a nice little walk at the water reclamation district in Worth and stumbled across the cal-​sag trail. I’ve heard of it before but have never actually been on the trail. The part I was on was clean and I think I saw two other walkers. From where we were we (meaning my dog and myself) could hear the water but not actually see it. Nice place to go for a walk or take a run.

This is my 500^th review. I was waiting for something amazing for such a personal landmark. I am so glad to have stumbled upon the Cal Sag Trail.
I am fairly certain that Mother Nature does not enjoy being paved. However, in the case of the Cal Sag Trail, maybe she might just reconsider. Hear me out. I used to stomp around with the dog along the Cal Sag as a side trip from Lake Katherine. The area along the Cal Sag was pretty disastrous. Overgrown, neglected, weedy, muddy or rocky, mostly unfriendly and unusable. We never travelled very far but we always liked watching the boats and trains along the way.
Along came the Friends of the Cal Sag with a brilliant idea to put in a trail that would go all the way from Lemont to the Burnham Greenway, which is almost to Indiana. The full distance will be 26 miles. It is not all done yet, but the parts that are completed are spectacular. I walked with my dog along the new addition in Palos Heights. Not to sound cliché, but truly, «If you build it, they will come.» That is exactly what happened here. So many walkers and so many bikers. All ages. And it is not even officially opened yet.
The trail is paved and two lanes. It twists, turns and has some great sights, like bridges and trains. Other times maybe you see a car wash. There are signs along the route that let you know what suburb or area you are in.
The Cal Sag Trail feels like it was always meant to be there. Land that was unused is now being used and enjoyed. Please, without delay, get a bike or some walking shoes and get out there.