This page provides maps, photos and directions for visiting Gebhard Woods State Park and the I & M Canal State Trail.

Located at 15701 S. Independence Blvd., Lockport, Ill., 60441 tel (815) 740-2047

Brought to you by the Outdoor Club which is sponsored by
Union Board on the IIT Campus

I hope my photos © give you a feeling for the area.
They can be purchased by contacting me. If you use these materials to plan a trip, let me know how it went.

This is a great place to day-hike or mountain bike. To the west, the trail winds nearly 30 miles to Starved Rock State Park. To the east from this access point, the trail goes to Lockport and the I & M Canal, National Heritage Corridor, Vistor Center. During the warmer months you can canoe (bring your own) 15 miles of the canal from Lockport to Morris IL. You can fish the canal or walk (scramble at times) down to the Illinois River which parallels the canal in most places and try for the big ones. In the winter bring your cross country skiis. Expect to see wildlife at the waters edge. Pack a lunch, bring a camera.

From Chicago go south on the Stevenson (I-55) to the I-80 interchange. Go west on I-80 to the Morris exit (Route 47)and go south into town. Several blocks before the big bridge you will see a sign on the right directing you to the park. Drive by large old houses to the park entrance on the west side of town.

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Trails are maintained tow paths that were used by the mules that hauled barges up and down the canal. They are covered with gravel in most places but can be muddy after a heavy rain. The land between the tow path and the river is flood plain and provides shelter for deer and small animals such as muskrat.

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I have biked this trail with both a cross bike and a mountain bike (better). It is wide enough to ride two abreast if you have a friend. My son an I carry ultra light fishing tackle with us and fish those spots were we see fish rising to grab insects. The path is lined with small scrub oak trees and stately cottenwood and ash.

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The water in the canal is usually still and provides many beautiful reflections, changing from spring green to fall reds and yellows depending on the season. Some of my favorite reflections can be seem when fall turns to winter, the trees are bare, and there is sheet ice on the water.

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