Chicago has this incredible thing called
the Lakefront Trail (CLFT). It is
an 18 mile paved path that is sandwiched
between the Lake Michigan shore and
Chicagos iconic Lake Shore Drive
(LSD).
The northern entrance of the CLFT is at
the eastern end of Ardmore Street (just
east of Sheridan Road) in Edgewater.
The southern entrance is at 71st Street
where South Shore Drive makes its
southward turn.
Along the way there are many points to
access the CLFT from the communities
it passes by. Many of these are simple
crosswalks but there are pedestrian
bridges or underpasses where LSD is wide
or has heavy traffic conditions.
Much of the CLFT has no street crossings
as it is right along the shore. However,
there are some points such as harbor or
park entry areas which do have crossings.
In theory at least, pedestrians have the
priority at most of these.
Not all of the CLFT is smooth. Some
sections are very old and the concrete
shows its age. While the entire trail
is marked (painted lines on cement),
some areas are well worn off. Even so,
the trail as a whole is in very usable
condition and there are several sections
which have very recent improvements.
The CLFT is designed for pedestrian,
bicycle, and roller blade usage. All
can enjoy the trail better if everybody
shows some courtesy to others. There
are several bicycle rental places where
people can obtain pedal transportation
if they choose not to hoof it.
My goal has been to walk the entire CLFT.
This page details that goal being fufilled!
Although I did it over a three day period,
this was partly due to having other agendas
during the weekend. It IS possible to walk
the entire length, taking 6 hours at an
average of 3 miles per hour. Adjust that
for your own walking speed, number of rest
breaks needed, and if you take any time to
take in some of the numerous attractions
along the way.
It happens that the weekend I did this was
a stormy couple of days. The temperature
was awesome (for me), but there were times
of drizzle, rain, and gusty winds. While
not a big problem for me, my camera did
NOT like the less sunlight conditions and
I think the picture quality of the photos
below suffered a bit. Many pictures were
not even usable as so out of focus (camera
has auto focus). However, I hope you can
enjoy the ones here.
If you are ever in Chicago, try to take in
at least part of the CLFT. There ARE many
outstanding views and pictures are not as
good as being there yourself!
Dates and sections:
9/30/2016
North Avenue northward to Ardmore
12 pictures, 2 videos
10/1/2016
North Avenue southward to Monroe (Loop)
6 pictures
10/2/2016
71st/South Shore northward to Monroe (Loop)
13 pictures
10/2/2016
Chicago Riverwalk
1 picture
First day
My first section of walking the
entire Lakefront trail started
at North Avenue walking north to
Ardmore. This is 1/4 of the
whole trail, 1/2 of the northern
section.
Looking south from North Avenue toward
downtown skyline and Navy Pier (left edge).
This also shows the very rough waters of
Lake Michigan due to the southwest winds
running with the storms pushing the water
to the shoreline.
I was NOT teasing you! This video shows
the waves coming in. This area is somewhat
protected by breakwaters to limit the waves
and they still came in hard.
Looking south from Fullerton, the south
lagoon, Lincoln Park Zoo (far right),
and the downtown skyline.
A park just north of Fullerton Avenue.
There are many parks along the CLFT. I
thought the clouds meeting the water was
an interesting effect here.
There are also many sculptures all over
Chicagoland. I am unsure what this one
is suppossed to be, but like many of
them I thought it was just weird looking.
Part of Belmont Harbor, one of many harbors
along Lake Michigan.
CLFT hugs LSD for long periods at times. Trail
is in foreground, Lake Shore Drive and buildings
are beyond the grassy area. Many of the buildings
in this area are either apartments or condos.
The Recreation Drive sign got my
attention. With LSD and buildings as a
backdrop I just had to take a picture.
Every half mile there is a marker like this
one showing you the mileage. This tells me
it is 15 miles from the start (in this case
from the south end). On the other side of
the sign it gives the mileage in the other
direction. So whichever way you are traveling
you can track your progress.
This is Waveland Park. It has softball fields and
other amenities. THe building near the center has
a clock tower, which is often shown during televised
Chicago Cubs games as the camera looks toward Lake
Michigan. Wrigley Field is about a mile inland from
here.
Another video to prove the waves are high.
The point where LSD turns into Hollywood Avenue.
The marker at the northern entrance (starting
point) of the CLFT. This dumps into Ardmore
Avenue.
As I was heading for the train to go back
downtown, I noticed this artwork under the
LSD overpass on Bryn Mawr Avenue. While
this is not part of the CLFT, it is just
steps away and was a very nice thing to
get to experience. Both sides of the
overpass were done in tile but the north
side was too dark to get a good picture.
Second day
My second section of walking the
entire Lakefront trail started
at North Ave walking south to
Monroe (downtown). This is 1/4 of
the whole trail, the lower 1/2 of
the northern section.
On the CLFT near Chicago Avenue looking
south toward Navy Pier. The new ferris
wheel is shown here as well as the water
which was just a bit calmer then the day
before.
I had lunch at Harry Carays at Navy Pier
so I got a chance to get a close up of
the new ferris wheel there. I still
have not got up the courage to try it
though, especially after that meal!
This is looking north from near Randolph
Avenue, which is south of the Chicago River.
It is another view of Navy Pier but has this
nice park as a foreground which is at Monroe
Harbor.
A very large ship dwarfs smaller boats
at Monroe Harbor.
Looking west/southwest from Monroe Harbor
to the Chicago Loop and skyline. Willis
Tower (formerly Sears Tower) is just left
of center and partially viewable.
Looking south along the lake shore. In
the distance is the Field Musuem and to
the far left is the Shedd Aquarium.
Third day
On the third day, I took a train to
Hyde Park and walked to 71st Street
and South Shore Drive where the
Lakefront trail south end begins.
From there I walked the 9 miles
back to Monroe Street (in the Loop)
where I had left off the night before.
This is the entire southern section,
1/2 of the total CLFT.
This took me just over 4 hours, which
includes several rest breaks and time
taking the pictures.
The markers at the south end of the CLFT.
A close up shot of the informational marker
with a mini map and trail rules.
Near Jackson Park looking north. Shore,
park, and several buildings. Downtown
skyline barely visible at far right.
A beach and beachhouse. Most of the
beaches close after Labor Day (no
lifeguards on duty or concessions).
A glimpse of the Museum Of Science And
Industry building and dome. A great
place to go but plan on spending the entire
day to take most of it in. LSD is in the
foreground hugging the CLFT.
One of the pedestrian bridges over LSD
providing access to the trail.
Chicago skyline from about 4.5 miles south.
Sculpture titled Man looking up.
Whatever.
Closer to downtown with a tree turning to
colorful stage. Willis Tower in background.
Still south of downtown. McCormick Place,
another harbor, Crown Theatre, and other
south loop buildings.
Soldier Field (game was in progress) and
skyline including Hancock building.
Looking north from the Shedd Aquarium
toward the Loop, North side, and Navy Pier.
From Shedd Aquarium looking west to Loop.
RIVERWALK
The Riverwalk connects to the CLFT
at the south side where the Chicago River
meets Lake Michigan (just south of Navy
Pier). It is about 1 mile of paved path
along the Chicago River with areas of
seating and several concession stands.
It gets VERY crowded around lunch time on
weekdays as the skyscraper occupants spill
out into the outdoor.
While not a part of the CLFT, the Riverwalk
is kind of an extension of it. I include
it on this page because it relates.
A portion of the Riverwalk along the
south shore of the Chicago River.
Picture taken from the north shore
at LaSalle.
Page last updated: October 06 2016 19:03:28. Page visited: 608