New path

One of the challenging aspects of hiking and biking in the Chicago area is that most of the trails are linear. Loop trails, common in more wild areas, are hard to find. Out-and-backs, point-to-points-call them what you will-just aren't as fun as loop trails, which allow for new discoveries along the entire route. That's why I like the River Ridge trail in Vermilion County so much, for example.

The Chicago Tribune printed an insightful story Sunday on a similar issue involving bike paths around Chicago and its suburbs. There are many paths, which is great, but most also have annoying dead ends and cutoffs. The good news is that local governments and organizations are working to link up these trails.