Currently 61 miles in length, this trail offers visitors scenic hiking, bicycling and snowmobiling opportunities. Due to the fragility of the trail and canal embankment, other motorized vehicles and equestrian use is prohibited. From it you can make connections to many of the natural and historic sites between Brandon Road in Rockdale and the canal's western terminus at LaSalle/Peru.

The trail follows the historic route of the I & M Canal. The canal became the final link in an all-water route between the east coast and the Gulf of Mexico. Built between 1836 and 1848, the canal helped transform Illinois from a sparsely settled wilderness to a prosperous, populous state.