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Trail Website: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/i&m/main.htm North Trailhead....
Editor's Notes: In locating information on this trail, it appears to only be from Peru to Channahon on the map. However, other access points which are accessible closer to Chicago. Rider's Comments: Very well marked and maintained path. Buffalo Rock State Park is home to one of the largest earth sculptures ever built (Effigy Tumuli). To visit the park, take Route 6 west from Ottawa to William Boyce Memorial Drive (There is an old clock factory on the north side) and head south to the end. You will pass the US Silica quarry. Turn right at the end and go west about 1.8 miles past Naplate to the park entrance. It is on the south side and easy to miss. You will go up a summit and have a great view of the river. There are many markers showing key points on the trail. In Morris there is the Gebhard Woods State Park located on the river under route 47. It's a little tricky to get there so look out for the signs. Keep an eye on here. I will pay special attention next time I visit Gebhard for signage. If I remember correctly, it takes a long route. There also is access at the William G. Stratton State Park, where a rangers station is located. It provides public access to the Illinois River from here. I usually access the path from Channahon Access. Exit Highway 6 at Canal Street. There is an old Tasty-Freeze there. Go about a half mile south to Story and turn right. There is access to the trail from the Channahon State Park (The bridge washed out in the 1996 flood. As of late 1998, repairs had not been made.) You can also access the trail from Bridge Street. From I-80 take the Minooka exit south to Route 6 and turn left. Follow route 6. Right when the road goes northeast, keep straight on the road. This is Bridge Street. At the first right you can access McKinley woods (see below). The trail access is between the two bridges on the south side. Be careful the path goes through the parking lot and there is vehicle traffic for about a mile south. The Channahon State Park I alluded to above is the sight of one of the two restored lock tender houses. The other can be accessed from the Aux Sable access. From Route 6 (midway between Channahon and Morris) you will see the Equistar and Alumax plants. Between these two is South Tabler Road. Take this road south to the sign marking the Aux Sable Access. Turn right and you should be able to access it. Note the aqueduct where Aux Sable and I & M Canal cross. While here, go back to South Tabler Road and south over the bridge. Turn right onto Cemetery Road and head west. You will see a cemetery where the road goes south. Buried here is Chief Shabbonna. Again, next time I'm out that way I'll give specific directions. Please keep in mind that the trail suffered significant damage during the July 1996 flood. Funding is sparse, however, making repairs slow going. I know that a bridge by the aqueduct and Channahon state park washed out. ACCESS POINTS: Links to Illinois Department of Natural Resource Webpage: For Detailed Information Contact: I & M Canal National Historic Corridor Bicentennial Park 30 North Bluff Street Joliet, IL 60435 815-740-2047 For Calendar of Events in Surrounding Communities Contact: |
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