Rock River Recreation Path

Built as the bicentennial community project in 1976, this is the "Grand Daddy" of the path system. The path officially begins  at Davis Park, where you can cross the State Street Bridge (or the Jefferson Street Pedestrian Bridge adjacent to the Library) and continue north on Madison Street. Most runners park at the YMCA and head north on the path through Sinnissippi Gardens, past Symbol, to meander through Shorewood and Martin Parks in Loves Park. Cross over the Riverside Boulevard Bridge, and continue north and through to the Sportscore. The path continues through Sportscore to Harlem Road and the 6 mile mark (measured from the YMCA) on the Frank Bauer Toll Bridge (you don't owe a toll if you're on the path), and into Machesney Park, where the path continues north on Victory Lane to Machesney Road. The path ends at the Burger King on North Second Street.  If you're looking for a 20+ miler, you can cross highway 251 at Machesny Park Mall and follow the access road a short distance north to Minns Drive, then head east to Harlem High School where you can join the Harlem path that goes into Rock Cut State Park.  Click here for a map.