Many of us have walked along the 606 Trail—a 2.7-mile elevated park and path in Wicker Park built on a former industrial rail line. This popular trail connects various parks and offers scenic lookout points as it runs overhead.
If you’ve been longing for something similar on the South Side, your wishes are being granted—plans are in progress for the Englewood Nature Trail.
This 1.8-mile elevated greenway will transform a former railroad corridor into a vibrant community space.
A South Side railway is becoming Chicago’s newest elevated greenway
The Englewood Nature Trail will extend east to west from Wallace Street to Hoyne Avenue, between 58th and 59th Streets, crossing 26 viaducts and linking homes, gardens, and gathering spaces throughout Englewood. As part of a community-driven design process, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) recently held a public meeting in Englewood.
At this meeting, residents and community partners reviewed early design concepts— providing input to shape the trail’s features and amenities before the final plans are established.
Here’s what’s next for the Englewood Nature Trail:
- Construction is anticipated to begin between 2027 and 2029
- Final design guidelines are expected to be completed in the coming weeks
- CDOT will host a meeting next winter to present the final design