The Chainlink

Hennepin Canal Trail

I'm sure most of you are aware of it, but for those who aren't, the Hennepin Canal Parkway has approximately 155 miles of trail in Bureau, Henry, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties.   The canal was the first to use locks constructed of concrete, which pioneered the technique for lock construction on the Panama Canal, and the first to use Marshall Gate locks.  The main canal connects the Rock River near where it flows into the Mississippi with the Illinois River.  Water in the main canal flows both east and west from the middle, and is fed by the Rock River at Rock Falls, approximately 25 miles north.  This north/south section, known as the Feeder Canal, was meant only to supply water, not for barge traffic.  The canal was closed to barge traffic in 1951.

 

I live in the general area, and work parts of the trail into my rides, usually at least once a week.  Seldom see any cyclists on the central sections of the park, within 20 miles of the visitor center where I normally ride.  The place needs more use.  I was talking to a ranger a couple of weeks ago, and he was telling me about some of the maintenence issues that exist.  The staff has been cut by 2/3, from 21 down to 7.  Blago had the place nearly shut down at one point, which meant not only no maintenance, but anyone caught "trespassing" would be subject to fines.

 

The only way the place will be properly funded is if useage increases, and people voice their support for funding it.

 

The bike path surface varies from some short paved sections, to oil and chip, to fine limestone.  I've ridden the limestone on a normal road bike, and it is actually quite smooth and fast.  Horses can roughen the surface quite a bit if they're on it when it's wet, so CX or MTB bikes are probably a better choice.  Also be careful in the few spots near the locks that have a grade, the limestone washes loose and can be tricky if you're doing 20 mph when you hit it.  Last year I rode the whole length of the main canal, and there were some washed out places where you had to carry the bike across.  I don't know if they've been repaired or not.  You can't ride far without seeing some wildlife, geese, ducks, blue heron, deer and wild turkeys are common.

 

I'm posting this as an invitation/plea for people to come out and use the Park.  It's a 2 hour drive from Chicago to the visitor center just south of I-80 exit 45.  The visitor center is near the center of the main canal, and a couple of miles east of the Feeder junction.  You can also ride Amtrak to Princeton and bring your bike along for $15 extra.   You can easily ride the road to the path (about 6 miles), and see the Captain Swift covered bridge on the way.  The mid 19th century Red Covered Bridge can be seen with a detour of a few miles.

 

I'd be happy to assist anyone that would like to visit with local information or some company on your ride.  Pics are from a ride I did last September.

 

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Permalink Reply by mark stetson on October 1, 2011 at 12:02am

I picked up a map at the visitor's center which has bridge locations.  I can key them to county road numbers if anyone needs them.  The map says drinking water is available at locks 21, 22, 24 and the visitors center.  I can confirm 22 and v. center, but 21 is where the broken pipe is, and I haven't checked 24.  

 

Here's a couple of pics from Johnson's Sauk Trail Park,  between Kewanee and the Canal trail.  It's about a 20 minute ride from the Kewanee Amtrak station.  The little cabin is for overnight rental, but I don't know the cost.  It has an air conditioner, which would be a big plus for a mid summer trip.   This is a nice park for tent camping.  Nice campsites and showers.  If you pack a fishing pole, there's a chance you could catch your dinner.  Isaac Walton Park, on the canal just north of Geneseo, is a really nice camping spot also.  Less than 2 miles from town, where there are plenty of stores, restaurants, and a bike shop (B&B, 820 S. Chicago ST).   Also a couple of pics of the roads I was on Wednesday.

 

Jeff:  I hope to take the time to communicate with you soon.  It sounds like we have similar concerns. 

 

 

Permalink Reply by mark stetson on October 2, 2011 at 10:12am

kilt,

 

I meant to mention that the last 2 pics are some roads between Kewanee and Sauk Trail Park.  The park is about 6 miles from the Kewanee Amtrak station.  It's about 6 miles from the park to the canal path at Annawan.  IL Rt. 78 has a nice wide shoulder, or you can ride township roads with less traffic. 

Are you looking for more canal pics?  I probably have some.  I can post when I get time.  If you want to friend me, I'll be glad to help you plan your trip, or I can try to answer specific questions here.

 

Here's Aquaduct 3, Bureau Creek in foreground.

Permalink Reply by olloyd1 on October 5, 2013 at 11:56am

We will be riding and camping along the canal next week, going west to east then onto the I&M.  This thread is really helpful, thanks.

Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on October 6, 2013 at 7:38am

In my travels I've found that bike trails that follow railroads go pretty much directly through towns along the way, but bike trails that follow canals are mostly a mile or so outside of towns. There are towns along the Hennepin canal but you need to go a short distance to find them. 

Usually there have very good local restaurants.

Permalink Reply by mark stetson on October 6, 2013 at 2:36pm

olloyd1:  Let me know if you need any specific local info: sidetrips, places to eat, repairs - etc not mentioned below.

Bob:  In this area, I think it's a matter of timing.  Many of the small towns sprung up along the railroads after they came through.  Neponset and Manlius actually moved a few miles to be on the rail line.  The canal came after there were already plenty of towns in the area, and didn't have nearly the impact that railroads did, so no towns were built on it as far as I know.  I'm sure it was routed as close as possible to existing towns as was practical.  Wyanet and Bureau Junction are both essentially on the canal.   I don't know the history of Colona/Green Rock but the canal passes right through them.  As far as restaurants (or bars that serve food):  Wagon Wheel in Mineral; Z-Best Cafe, Red's, and Bellucio's in Sheffield; Main St. BBQ in Wyanet; Indian Valley Inn and Piccolo's in Tiskilwa; are all well regarded locally.

Here's a couple of pics of the Lock 22 campground, taken on last night's sort of wet ride.  One of the better spots to camp as it has running water, a restored lock and lift bridge, and is not far from Mineral and Sheffield (which also has grocery, convenience, and hardware stores). 

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on October 7, 2013 at 2:45pm

Some gorgeous photos, thanks for posting. :)

Heading westbound on the trails this week. At Joliet right now. Taking it easy as I am out of biking shape, so ~50 mi per day and just enjoying a relaxing trip. Looking forward to seeing all this.

Permalink Reply by mark stetson on October 7, 2013 at 8:48pm

Be careful getting from the I&M to to Bureau Junction.  Last tourist that was headed for my place fell in a pothole on US 6 and destroyed his bike.  He ended up taking the train to Portland.

Let me know where you are Wed. night.   I can bring  pizza if I get off work in time, or if you like to dine late. 

Permalink Reply by olloyd1 on October 8, 2013 at 8:41am
The pictures of lock 22 look great, good inspiration for us. That is where we will camp tonight. Preparing to leave the hotel in davenport nowish.
Permalink Reply by Alex Z on October 8, 2013 at 8:02pm

Having some second thoughts about taking the Hennepin after riding the I&M from Willow Springs to Ottawa.

On the one hand, it is certainly nice to ride in the shade and "zone out" without having to worry about missing a turn or be aware of motor vehicles, etc. And learning about the history of the canal from the various signposts was very cool.

But...it's sort of...boring?? :) For a stretch around Morris, I detoured from the path and took some back country roads, and I thought that was glorious. Open air, the sun shining, passing beautiful farmland. It suits me a bit more, I think. And I enjoy having to pay attention to making the correct turns, etc. Also it's easier to ride on pavement. :)

So, we'll see what I end up doing tomorrow. But the country roads are calling me strongly. The trouble of course is it's hard to know which ones are best suited for cycling (i.e., having either low traffic volume or wide shoulder).

Thank you for the pizza offer, although I will likely eat early and crash after what (in my current shape) is a hard day's ride.

I recognize that the I&M being "too boring" is a good problem to have. :) It's very, very nice being out here in northwestern Illinois, where I have never spent any time before.

Permalink Reply by mark stetson on October 8, 2013 at 10:16pm

IL cycling maps are here:

http://www.dot.il.gov/bikemap/state3.html

You need to download them for each county you ride through.  They are color coded for suitability for cycling; green = good, red = not good.  They are fairly accurate in my experience.   The most common error in my part of the state is that many gravel roads have been upgraded.  They still show as grey on the map, but should be green.  These are more useful printed out, you could probably stop at any small town library and print them.

I can map you a route through Bureau and Henry counties on mapmyride.  If you're headed for Iowa, I suggest crossing the Mississippi at Muscatine.

 

Permalink Reply by mark stetson on October 8, 2013 at 10:20pm

Normally I would have ridden up to say hello, but worked until 9 tonight.  Interested in hearing your comments on the trip.

olloyd1 said:

The pictures of lock 22 look great, good inspiration for us. That is where we will camp tonight. Preparing to leave the hotel in davenport nowish.
 
 
Permalink Reply by olloyd1 on October 13, 2013 at 9:59am

  The ride was great!  I knew the Hennepin was kind of remote, but was not entirely prepared for how remote it really is.  Luckily we packed in food with us, to go looking for it at the end of the first day would have taken us way out of our way.

  The woman at the visitor center that sent us maps and info last week and took our payment for camping went above and beyond with her helpfulness.

  My favorite portion of the ride was heading east after the feeder canal, the drop in altitude made the ride easier than the first day, and gave some great views of the canal and locks.  I hope to ride the feeder canal next year.

  The trails were monotonous at times, like the I&M but that is to be expected on portions of any cycle track.  I much prefer the monotony over the traffic and slightly different monotony of route 6.

  Linking the east end of the Hennepin to the start of the I&M was a bit tricky, ad at that point it was getting late in the day, so we got off the more peaceful side roads and opted for a burn along route six into Utica to make Starved Rock before it was too late.

  I have ridden quite a few of the Northern Illinois cycle trails, and so far this is at the top of the list for me.  Going to have to get a group to do it next fall!

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