Map of the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail

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Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail

Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail map area

Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail

LENGTH:

96 miles

SURFACE:

unpaved

COMMUNITIES:

LaSalle, Utica, Ottowa, Marseilles, Seneca, Morris, Channahon, Rockdale, Joliet, Lockport

HIGHLIGHTS:

canal, locks, Illinois countryside, local and state parks, Channohon Parkway State Park

NEARBY TRAILS:

Rock Run Greenway Trail
Joiliet Junction Trail
Old Plank Road Trail
Wauponsee Glacial Trail

RELATED LINKS:

Chicago
Will County
Regional Trails

The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail is a 96-mile long unpaved pathway that extends from LaSalle to Romeoville, north of Joliet. The trail is also known as the I & M Canal Trail. The route goes through a number of state parks and past several local communities. The trail follows the route of the old tow path along the canal, which is adjacent to the Illinois River.

Conditions

The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail is mostly unpaved and open for bike riding, walking and running. There are long stretches of the trail that are quite rural and have no services.

Communities

The trail travels past the following Northern Illinois communities: LaSalle, Utica, Ottowa, Marseilles, Seneca, Morris, Channahon, Rockdale, Joliet and Lockport.

Points of Interest

The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail goes past the following points of interest:

  • Lock 14, Peru
  • Split Rock Lake
  • Carey Memorial Park
  • Buffalo Rock State Park
  • Fox River Aqueduct
  • Marseilles Elementary School
  • Seneca High School
  • Gebhard Woods State Park
  • William G. Stratton State Park
  • Dresden Island Lock
  • Moose Island
  • Channohon Parkway State Park
  • Community Park
  • Joliet Iron Works Historic Site
  • Lockport Metra Station
Nearby Trails

The I & M Canal Trail is close to the Rock Run Greenway Trail and the Joiliet Junction Trail in Joliet. The north end of the I & M Canal Trail intersects the Centennial Trail at E. Romeo Road near the Des Plains River. Other regional recreational trails in the Joliet area include the Old Plank Road Trail and the Wauponsee Glacial Trail.

End Points

The west end of the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail is located near Joliet Street in the community of LaSalle.

There is a gap in the trail through the City of Joliet. The largest section of the trail stops at S. Brandon Road and Mount Road on the south side of Joliet. The trail starts again at Black Road and N. Chicago Street in Joliet.

The northeast end of the shorter section of the trail is located at E. Romeo Road to the east of E. Independence Boulevard.


Resources

Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail in Northern Illinois.