Park website: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R2/ILBEACH.HTM
Trail Distance: 8 miles
Trail Surface: Limestone screenings & packed earth
Type of Use: Tour/leisure & mountain/fat tire
Towns: Zion
County: Lake
Intensity of Use: Heavy
Setting: State Park
Connecting Trails: Zion Parkway
Maintained by: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Directions for parking: Parking is available from Wadsworth & 17th Street.
Trail Maps:
NORTH SOUTH
Rider's Comments: Parallels the Lake shoreline from Zion north to the Wisconsin State Line. In the middle is Unicom/Commonwealth Edison's Zion nuclear plant. Additional trail development is planned so stay tuned!
The North path runs from Marina to San Pond and to the Railroad tracks on the north side near 7th Street in Winthrop Harbor. The southern unit extends from 29th street to the Zion Parkway and includes the overlooks.
John Trznadel (jtt892@aol.com):
The Camp Logan area in the North Unit contains the 6.7-mile Marsh Trail (open to bikes) heading east to the beach and north to the Spring Bluff Forest Preserve.
The trail is a mown grass surface through marshland, prairie, and lightly wooded areas, leading to the beach in several spots. In some areas, particularly near North Point Marina, the trail is sandy, so you may have to walk your bike.
There are four trails over 5 miles in the south unit. Trails are limited to hiking to preserve the native vegetation.
• The Loop Trail is 2.3 miles of crushed gravel, beginning at a black oak forest which evolves into a sand prairie as you approach the beach.
• The .2-mile Beach Trail starts on a wood chip pathway through the oak forest, then crosses a marsh over a wooden bridge. As you enter the sand prairie and approach the beach you have just traveled through a succession of plant life, from hardy grasses to cattails to black oak trees.
• The Oak Ridge Trail is a .6-mile half circle connecting with the Loop Trail. Cooler in the summer due to the cover of the black oak trees, it's also a bit hilly due to the ridges.
• The 1.1-mile Dead River Trail starts at the southwest corner of the parking area and ends at Lake Michigan, paralleling the river for most of the way. Enjoy abundant wildflowers such as milkweeds, shooting stars, and several kinds of gentians (flowers) in spring, late summer and fall.
The interpretive center in the nature preserve has exhibits, restrooms and water. A store near the beach (open in summer) features food, drinks, souvenirs, and public telephones.
For Detailed Information Contact:
Zion Beach State Park
Zion, IL 60099
847-662-4811
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