Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail; Brandon Road Access - Rockdale, IL - Long Distance Hiking Trails on Waymarking.com

Although the entire I & M Canal "trail" is much longer, this is a continuous dedicated trail segment. The Brandon Road Access directs cyclists along streets routes to points north and eastward through Joliet to get to the other segments. If you follow the trail, westward, Lock 14 in LaSalle is the western access for the entire trail.

Camping is permitted at Channahon State Park, Gebhart Woods State Park and Buffalo Rock State Park which are along the trail. They do not take reservations and a $6.00 fee (listed below) is assess for tent camping.

Starved Rock State Park also provides camping and cabin sites (fees vary) and reservations are recommended, but it should be noted Starved Rock is not adjacent to the I & M Canal. Crossing the Illinois River at Utica, IL is required to get to Starved Rock.

The identified locations of Intermediate Trailheads is only a partial list. These are locations where I have taken photos. The official INDR website has a map with all the locations. Trailhead #1 is Channahon State Park, Trailhead #2 is Lock #8 Trail Access, Trailhead #3 is Buffalo Rock Access. Lock #14 Trail Access are coordinates for opposite end of the trail.

It will take two or three days to fully enjoy the 61-mile trail segement on bicycle - although it can be done in less. Since this is a linear trail, a return trip is necessary (unless you have chase vehicle as part of your group), so I estimate at least 4 days to complete if you were planning a leisurely, solo trip along this historic trail.

Coordinates of the other end's trailhead: N 41° 19.546 W 089° 05.682 Recommended number of days to complete: 4.00 Distance in miles or kilometres: 61 miles Shelters?: No Designated campsites?: Yes Number of designated campsites: 2 Permit Required?: No Trail Website: [Web Link] Best Season to Hike?: Spring or Fall, mostly because of mosquitos, but Summer is OK, too. Permit Fees?: 6.00 (listed in local currency) Intermediate Trailhead 1: N 41° 25.329 W 088° 13.707 Intermediate Trailhead 2: N 41° 23.702 W 088° 19.950 Intermediate Trailhead 3: N 41° 19.782 W 088° 54.839 Overnight parking fee: Not Listed Overnight parking coordinates: Not Listed Intermediate Trailhead 4: Not Listed Intermediate Trailhead 5: Not Listed

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