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I&M Canal State Trail Access - Buffalo Rock
4.8 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews · Running trail in Ottawa, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of I&M Canal State Trail Access - Buffalo Rock yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about I&M Canal State Trail Access - Buffalo Rock
Excellent access point/information stop along the Illinois and Michigan Canal state trail right across from Buffalo Rock state park. Good amount of parking if you are going to bike or walk along the trail. Very convenient way to access the state park if you are traveling along the trail.
They fixed the bridge here! Google maps looks like it’s still routing people around this stretch of the I&M Canal Trail, but I confirmed it was fixed in early March 2022. Thanks Illinois!
Got to Buffalo Rock State Park a bit too early and the gate wasn't open yet. Decided to kill some time on this trail across the street. Pretty standard trail. Mosquitoes were out in force though, so be sure to wear some bug spray.
A very nice well kept park. Plenty of easy hiking through the trees and open areas. Very nice views of the river.
Plan your run at I&M Canal State Trail Access - Buffalo Rock
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Running trails near Ottawa
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Buffalo Rock State Park
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Riverside bluff & 290 acres of nature with trails, camping & picnic shelters (1 with fireplace).
River Bluff Trail Trailhead
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Ottawa Canyon Trailhead
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Trail-filled site with 3 canyons, a waterfall and scenic rock walls.
Illinois Canyon
4.8 ★★★★★ 127 reviews
Mellow, circa 1-mile hike featuring a winding creek and waterfalls, plus canyon views.
I&M Canal State Trail Access - Ottawa
4.5 ★★★★★ 8 reviews