About 200 miles of the route is on paved township and county roads while the rest is on limestone trails or paths. Photos of the Chicago Navy Pier to Bureau Junction Section of GIT Click on any thumbnail image to load a larger version of the picture. The GIT cue sheets describe routes that an experienced, fit, adult bicyclist may use to circumnavigate the Grand Illinois Trail. Official street routes are not provided because, in many cases, local jurisdictions have not agreed to authorize them due to liability concerns. The routes provided are a first effort and follow a variety of off-road trails, streets and roads, some of which may have quite a bit of motorized traffic.
Caution is advised.
Even experienced bicycle touring riders are advised to carry and consult road maps in addition to the GIT cue sheets. Suggestions for improvements to these routes are invited. Click here to go to the LIB Download page for Microsoft Excel and Lotus 123 spreadsheet files with the GIT cue sheets. The GIT Trailblazer program will recognize those who complete the 475-mile perimeter of the Grand Illinois Trail in the first year. The basic trail connects Chicago, Joliet, Quad Cities, Galena, and Rockford.