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About 50+ miles of crushed limestone trail (Chanahon to LaSalle/Peru). Scenic wooded areas, aqueducts, river area, wildlife (wild flowers, herons, duck, deer, fox, fish, wild turkey, turtles, snakes, beaver, muskrats, etc.). Some single track off the path at McKinley Woods, Dresden Dam (goes to some ComEd service paths), Gebhard Woods, etc. down the line. However trail is mainly crushed limestone path. Excellent for a safe long rides.
Take I-55 about 1-2 miles south of I-80, exit at Rt. 6, go west a few miles, follow sign to turn left before small bridge, about 2 blocks on right. Ample parking. Can also park in Joliet around I-80 and Houbolt, but not too scenic, or multiple locations along entire route.
Summary: I've ridden the entire trail and it is all currently open and in good shape.
The surface is crushed limestone. It is an easy flat trail. The eastern section has a few spots with amenties.The western section doesn't. The Illinois DNR has a detailed map of both the eastern and western sections. If you search for the I&M canal, you will easily find their site.
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Summary: My wife and I rode the trail from LaSalle to Ottawa and back to LaSalle. We were fortunate to run into some local people a few miles before Utica to let us know about a walk around from a washed out bridge where the sign says the path is closed. Apparently it has been washed out for a couple of years. After this there is a couple more places before Utica where you must cross some small streams of water with your bike in hand. The streams have "bridges" made of downed tree limbs with 1X4's nailed to them. There were also several water in the trail spots where it was muddy also. We've had lots of rain recently. This part of the trail wouldn't be much for a road bike or if you aren't able to carry your bike.
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Summary: The Governor of Illinois’s office recently announced that the State of Illinois will be closing the I&M and Hennepin Canal State Parks.
While it’s unclear whether the State will put “trail closed” signs up, there is no apparent money to maintain them and fallen trees, washouts, and other issues will undoubtedly happen.
Please help pass the words to help keep the trail open by contacting the governor’s office. 217-782-0244, 312-814-2121, or www.illinois.gov/helpdesk/contact.cfm and click on the “Governor’s on Line Contact Form”
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Summary: I’ve ridden this trail many times, the full length. It’s a great trail.
Don’t let the crushed limestone discourage you. Alongside most of the trail there’s a parallel paved road. You can switch between path/road frequently, going back and forth as much as you want. There’s also many small towns along the route and plenty to do and explore.
You can also reach this trail by bike from the Chicago area – see a route at http://www.routeslip.com/map.php?map=4388 or else http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=369699.
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Review Date September 19, 2003
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Aerobic Difficulty 3 of 5
Technical Difficulty 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a month
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1.00 votes
Reviewed by: cbxtc6
,
Weekend Warrior
Summary: I live near the West end of the I&M, and there are a variety of trails OFF the main Towpath, which should be explored! These vary in difficulty, and some are extremely dangerous. Just be careful, and use common sense. When you see a trail shooting off the main road, take it for a ride!
Recommended Route: I80 to I39S>, take the LaSalle exit, turn South at IL351 to I&M access parking lot.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Matthiessen Park, Buffalo Rock, Starved Rock, Hennepin Canal.
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