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I&M Canal
10 reviews
4.4 of 5
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 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 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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Review Date September 12, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a year
Reviewed by: Robert Montelongo
, from Chicago, IL
Summary: The trail is crushed Limestone and very easy to ride. Most of the towns along the path are spread out at about 15-20 miles. They are great to ride through and for resting. The trail is very well maintained. I have to ride this trail once a year. Its a must!
Recommended Route: Do the whole thing! I start at Channahon to the other end, Lasalle/Peru. It's about 58 miles. Very beautiful.
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Review Date May 21, 2001
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a week
Reviewed by: karen
, from Ottawa, IL
Summary: Stop for ice cream or hot dog at Country Cupboard and browse the shops. Takes about 1 hour at 10 m/hour. Mostly straight and level on crushed gravel. A few dips. Benches and a lock and dam. Have seen herons and deer along the way. Pretty quiet during the week, a little more traveled on the weekend, but not overly so. Because it is pretty straight you can get your speed up quite a bit. Good for families and those who want to improve their speed.
Recommended Route: There's an access point at Buffalo Rock along Dee Bennett road. Ride west past abandoned quarries and wetlands to Utica.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Ottawa to Marseilles is pretty - about 10 miles. Has a few more curves than above. Very wooded, lots of wild flowers, but not much else to see. Shady and nice on a hot day.
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Review Date April 12, 2001
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a week
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1 votes
Reviewed by: chuck
, from spring valley, il
Summary: ive taken the tow-path all tha way past morris, il. its really relaxing but if you get bored ther are plenty of places to duck off the beaten path and do a little more aggressive riding if you feel like it. you can stop for a beer or water plenty of places along the way.utica is a nice little town 5 miles east of lasalleto stop and look around. it has good, casual resturants to grab a snack or whatever. starved rock state park isnt far from there either.bikes arent allowed on the trails at starved rock but its a nice ride just going around the park. this is a great trail for a family outing or to take the girlfriend. you can make an entire day out of it with all there is to offer on this trail!
Recommended Route: i ride east from spring valley to lasalle where it starts(or ends, which-ever way you ride) and just start peddalling.
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