Even on the most challenging Chicago weather days, the trail is clear and clean for miles. Schools may be closed, the streets may be impassible, the days so cold most resist even a short walk, but the Trail is unobstructed and welcoming. The Chicago Park District plows on snow days, on Sundays, on National-Weather-Service-warning-stay-inside days. I cannot walk around my city block without intense concentration and careful navigation, but I know if I can just make it to the path, I can let my shoulders down and stop staring at the sidewalk long enough to enjoy the view.