The 606—also called the Bloomingdale Trail—is one of the most enjoyable “quick hit” urban runs in Chicago: an elevated, car-free path that stitches together neighborhoods on the Northwest Side with skyline peeks, public art, and easy access points. It’s not a wilderness escape, but it is a uniquely Chicago way to get in steady miles without fighting stoplights.
The running experience
The surface is smooth and consistent—good for easy runs, progression runs, and stroller-friendly jogs. Because you’re above street level, you get long sightlines and fewer interruptions than a typical neighborhood route. That said, the 606 is popular: on nice weekends and summer evenings, the “trail” can feel more like a moving sidewalk than an open road.
It’s ideal for short-to-medium out-and-backs: warm up from your neighborhood, hop on, run steady for a few miles, then drop back down. For longer runs, many runners pair the 606 with adjacent streets or neighborhood loops to avoid repeating the same stretch too many times.
What it does well (and what it doesn’t)
- Pros: Car-free miles; consistent footing; easy to keep a steady pace; great neighborhood connectivity; interesting scenery and public art; generally well-lit compared with many parks.
- Cons: Can get crowded; mixed traffic (walkers, runners, bikes) requires patience; limited “quiet” zones; exposure to wind/sun with little shade; winter conditions can vary.
Practical tips before you go
- Best times to run: Early mornings and weekday mid-days tend to be calmer. Fair-weather weekends can be shoulder-to-shoulder.
- Plan your access point: Decide where you’ll get on/off so you’re not stopping at the top of a ramp to check your phone.
- Bring what you need: Depending on the season, water and restroom options may not be as frequent as on the Lakefront Trail—carry water for longer efforts.
- Dress for exposure: Being elevated means more wind. In colder months, it can feel several degrees harsher than street level.
- Use it for workouts—carefully: It’s great for steady tempo effort when it’s quiet; when it’s busy, keep workouts flexible (effort-based instead of pace-based).
Verdict
If you want a scenic, efficient urban route with minimal street crossings, the 606 is a standout—especially for easy runs and steady efforts at off-peak times. Go in expecting a shared-space experience, run predictably, and you’ll get a smooth, uniquely Chicago set of miles.