The Grand Illinois Trail - Recommended Trip 8 - Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail (I&M)

The I&M Canal Trail section of the GIT stretches from LaSalle to the Brandon Locks just south of Joliet. The trail is built on the towpath of the 1848 canal. The path was used by horses and mules to tow packet boats along the canal. The fifteen locks along the canal were made from hand-tooled stone and white oak. The canal served as a route for shipping commercial goods from the outlying areas into the city and Lake Michigan ports.

The 61-mile trail is made of crushed limestone and runs mostly flat along its course. The trail is quite straight and good for distance path cycling or short day-trips. The path is not crowded and passes through several historic towns along the way. Much of this trail has the scenic river on one side and the canal on the other; it is almost completely wooded on both sides. At sunset you may encounter biting mosquitoes, so be prepared with bug repellent.

For a free copy of the "I&M Canal Passage" brochure which provides significant background to enhance your trip, contact the Canal Corridor Association (312-863-6286).

On the east end of the trail, park at Brandon Locks or Channahon State Park, south of Route 6 in Channahon. At the west end, park at the I&M Canal Trailhead off Route 6 as you head south out of downtown LaSalle.

For more detailed information and access to a printed map see Section 15, Section 16 & Section 17.

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