One of our favorite rides is along the I&M Canal from Channahon, IL to Morris, IL. Although we only ride this 15 mile section, the trail extends 50+ miles all the way to LaSalle/Peru. The I&M canal trail is an old towpath. In the mid-1800s through 1933 when it was closed, mules and horses pulled barges using this towpath. Along the route you’ll pass several locks, a locktender’s house, an aqueduct and even an old mule barn. You’ll also find a shelter or two built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Dresden Island Dam, old railroad trestles – there really is something of interest around every turn. All the while you are cycling along the canal, and for quite a ways you also have the Illinois River on your other side.
And if the historic sights aren’t enough, wildlife is abundant. Last week we saw 3 deer, 2 muskrat and a beaver before we even rode one mile. As we rode further there were many more deer and muskrats, as well as green herons, great blue herons, frogs, turtles, fabulous giant lily pads and the calls of many song birds. We’ve even seen white pelicans here stopping for a break during their migration.
There are many opportunities to picnic along the route or you can eat in Morris – there are a number of restaurants to choose from as well as an ice cream store. Morris is a great place to re-energize for the return ride. There are four “primitive” restroom facilities along this route which aren’t easy to locate unless you know they’re there – here is a link to a DNR site which has detailed maps to help.
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/i&m/main.htm%5ClTrail
The trail from Channon to Morris is well-maintained crushed limestone. The path is very level, which makes it an easy ride. From Morris west we’ve had problems with trail washouts – if it’s been rainy and you’re headed west of Morris I would try to contact the DNR to check on washouts.
In the spring you see amazing wildflowers and in the fall the colors are brilliant! If you are riding on a hot summer day you’ll be pleased to find that 90% of the route is in the shade. It’s only a 45 minute ride from Glen Ellyn to Channahon – so pack your bikes and head out of town for the I&M Canal – enjoy!
And if the historic sights aren’t enough, wildlife is abundant. Last week we saw 3 deer, 2 muskrat and a beaver before we even rode one mile. As we rode further there were many more deer and muskrats, as well as green herons, great blue herons, frogs, turtles, fabulous giant lily pads and the calls of many song birds. We’ve even seen white pelicans here stopping for a break during their migration.
There are many opportunities to picnic along the route or you can eat in Morris – there are a number of restaurants to choose from as well as an ice cream store. Morris is a great place to re-energize for the return ride. There are four “primitive” restroom facilities along this route which aren’t easy to locate unless you know they’re there – here is a link to a DNR site which has detailed maps to help.
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/i&m/main.htm%5ClTrail
The trail from Channon to Morris is well-maintained crushed limestone. The path is very level, which makes it an easy ride. From Morris west we’ve had problems with trail washouts – if it’s been rainy and you’re headed west of Morris I would try to contact the DNR to check on washouts.
In the spring you see amazing wildflowers and in the fall the colors are brilliant! If you are riding on a hot summer day you’ll be pleased to find that 90% of the route is in the shade. It’s only a 45 minute ride from Glen Ellyn to Channahon – so pack your bikes and head out of town for the I&M Canal – enjoy!
