Metra / MD-N to Forest Glen
North Branch Forest Glen Out-and-Back
Fast green-tunnel access from MD-N Forest Glen with enough distance for steady work.
Quick Win Ready 32 min to good stuff 32.9 mi 3/5 intervals
Decision
Quick Win dry pavement, weekday morning, low trail traffic
Avoid peak family trail hours, post-storm debris
Workout tempo / sweet spot
Surface Mixed: Mostly paved path and park connectors with crossings and mixed users.
Access
Union Station to Forest Glen 24 min typical train time
8 min roll to the useful riding
Good quick train option; still first-come-first-served for bike space.
Confidence
Geometry Generated
Surface Known
Access Checked
Last checked 2026-05-28
Hazards
- Road crossings · medium Let the crossings define the workout blocks instead of fighting them.
- Mixed-use trail · medium Expect walkers, kids, and slower riders near popular preserve areas.
Effort Windows
- North Branch spine · 6-20 min Better for steady work than hard VO2 because of crossings and mixed traffic.
This is the fastest route that actually changes the mental room. It is the obvious default when Barrington is too much ceremony and the lakefront feels too exposed or crowded.
Ride Sheet
Metra Union Station to Forest Glen
Access 32 min to good stuff
Workout tempo, sweet spot, endurance, low-friction escape
Bailouts Forest Glen, Edgebrook, nearby MD-N / UP-N options
Water Forest Glen, parks and preserve stops
Bathrooms forest preserve areas when open
Best When dry pavement, weekday morning, low trail traffic
Avoid peak family trail hours, post-storm debris