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Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail
4.2 ★★★★☆ 91 Google reviews · Running trail in Morris, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 96 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
Kid-friendly hiking area that's also suitable for biking.
What runners say about Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail
“The I&M Canal Trail is always an enjoyable and scenic hike.”
The I&M Canal Trail is always an enjoyable and scenic hike. This particular section is pretty good. However, the canal is empty near Gebhard State Park. If going east, it gets better by William G. Stratton State Park.
The Illinois & Michigan Canal towpath is a gem of a trail for hikers, runners, and bicyclists. On my most recent visit I ran an out-and-back on the towpath trail from Gebhard Woods State Park in Morris. The somewhat recently completed aquaduct construction of the canal over Nettle Creek, just .2 mi.
Nice trail for biking. Between Marseilles and Senica it's a little rough and you get diverted to a gravel road for a bit. Lots of grain trucks on it and very dusty but overall good ride.
51 miles of historic trails. Very protected, great surfaces for bike riding.
Trail conditions & character
“The I&M Canal Trail is always an enjoyable and scenic hike.”
“Between Marseilles and Senica it's a little rough and you get diverted to a gravel road for a bit.”
Plan your run at Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance96 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitednr.illinois.gov
- Phone(815) 942-0796
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Morris
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Gebhard Woods State Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 198 reviews
30-acre park featuring mature trees, tent camping, multiuse trails & picnic areas with grills.
William G. Stratton State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 553 reviews
Public park with a boat launch and picnic areas, plus peaceful views of the lake.
Lions City Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 45 reviews
Compact park with a playground, plus picnic tables and a pavilion.
Kiwanis Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 15 reviews
Saratoga Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 22 reviews
