Robert McClory Trail

The Robert McClory Trail is a multi-use path that runs through multiple communities throughout Lake County in the northeastern corner of Illinois. It runs all the way up to the Wisconsin-Illinois state line, where it connects with the Kenosha County Bike Trail. Locals sometimes mistakenly refer to this trail by the wrong name, often calling it the Green Bay Trail or the North Shore Trail – both of which you can access from the south or the north end, respectively.  

Residents and visitors often use it as a bike trail, with many sites and visitors referring to the path as the Robert McClory Bike Trail. It runs mostly parallel to the Metra train line, which offers hikers an option if they only have enough energy to hike one way. However, Metra pet policy dictates that only small pups in carriers can ride during off-peak hours. 

This path spans just over 25 miles through different scenery, with tree-lined city streets and quiet rural backdrops interchanging along the way. While this hike may be too much to do all at once with Fido, there are many convenient access points you can use, with the most common entry-point being Highland Park. The path begins on asphalt, with occasional concrete as the trail passes through surface streets. As you and Fido move your way up north, the area becomes more rural, and you’ll find yourself walking across crushed limestone. It is pawticularly pleasant, with mostly flat, well-maintained pathways throughout the trail. There are some restaurants along the way, a couple of which have pet-friendly patios, like Highland Pop Gourmet Popcorn and Fudge Shop. 

The Robert McClary Trail is a furrific option for four-legged friends! The only marked water fountain is at the Larsen Nature Preserve, so be sure to bring supplies to keep you and Fido hydrated.