The Major Taylor Trail runs from Dan Ryan Woods south to Whistler Woods and includes paved segments, off-street paved segments managed by the Chicago Park District, and on-street segments.
On this page:
Overview & Maps
Major Taylor Trail
Location: Chicago & Riverdale
Surface
PavedEstimated Total Length
8.1 milesHours
Year-round: Sunrise to SunsetClosures & Alerts
Dan Ryan Woods Major Taylor Trail Corridor Improvements
The Forest Preserves is completing a corridor master plan for the Major Taylor Trail along Dan Ryan Woods. View plans, progress and sign up for updates.
Trail Access
Access the Major Taylor Trail at any of these locations (ordered from North to South). Check out the trail maps above to find on-street or bikeway access points.
*Access via Dan Ryan Woods Black Paved Loop
About Marshall “Major” Taylor
The Major Taylor Trail is named for Marshall “Major” Taylor, who was an African-American bicycle racer and civil rights advocate. Taylor, born in Indianapolis in 1878, began building his skills as a cyclist at a young age while delivering newspapers and later performing bicycle tricks at a local bike shop. While Taylor performed the bicycle tricks, he wore a soldier’s uniform, which resulted in his nickname “Major.”
In addition to being a skilled performer, Major Taylor proved to be a dominant racer, as well. According to Andrew Ritchie’s “Major Taylor: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer,” Taylor was one of the first African-American athletes to become a world champion in any sport. He was known for many years as the fastest bicycle rider in the world.
Sources:
- “Major Taylor: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer” – Andrew Richie (The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996)
- “Who is Major Taylor?” – Major Taylor Cycling Club of Chicago