Finding the Trail

The best way to orient yourself before arriving is to check out the map below (or use Google Maps) and decide where you would like to enter.

Download Map (PDF)

The Bloomingdale Trail moves through (and over) four Chicago neighborhoods: Logan Square and Humboldt Park to the west end and Wicker Park and Bucktown to the east end. The western end is at Ridgeway Ave. and the eastern end is at Ashland Ave.

Accessing the Trail

There are 12 ADA-compliant access ramps approximately every quarter of a mile. These are what you use to enter and exit the trail.

The most popular ways to get to the Bloomingdale Trail are on foot, bike and by public transit.

Bus

There are bus routes on Armitage and North Ave. and on Ashland, Damen, Western, California, Kedzie and Kimball as well as the CTA Blue Line train stations at Damen and Western. Check the CTA’s website for schedules.

Bike

There are numerous Divvy bike stations near the trail, and you can find their locations using the online map. There is no designated parking along the trail, but should you drive, make sure to check local parking rules as they vary.

Bathrooms & Water Fountains

There are publicly accessible bathrooms behind the McCormick YMCA on Ridgeway and just off the trail at the Trailhead building on Western. There are water fountains at street level at each entrance, in Julia de Burgos Park and up on the trail at Western, Rockwell and California.

Stay Safe!

It can be busy at times on the Bloomingdale Trail (especially mornings, evenings and sunny weekends) so always:

• Stop and look both ways before entering the flow of traffic.
• Stay to your right. You’ll see two narrow strips of blue on the path, these are a rubberized surface for runners and walkers.
• If you bring a dog, keep your pooch on a leash and to the right and always pick up after them.

We also ask that you:

• Please respect the plant life up on the trail by not walking or stepping into the vegetation that flanks the path.
• Maintain a speed that is safe for all users.
• Use the trash cans provided.

Parks & Playgrounds

There are four street-level neighborhood parks adjacent to the Bloomingdale Trail.

• Julia de Burgos Park has a playground, including a popular spider-web feature.
• Park 567 at Milwaukee/Leavitt has steps and boulders to chill on.
• Walsh Park has a dog-friendly area and a play structure.
• Churchill Park also has a dog-friendly area and areas to relax.