The I&M Canal runs parallel to the Des Plaines and Illinois Rivers and provides miles of flat waterway perfect for paddling and many other types of outdoor recreation. The canal stopped being used as a functional canal in the 1930s but still provides lots of historical and recreational value to the area. The water is very slow and flat making it a great option for paddlers of all skill levels. This section of the canal is not as wooded and remote as the more eastern section from Channahon State Park to Lock 8 but is still enjoyable and offers some diverse scenery including some urban development. There are multiple take-out spots before the Waupecan Spillway for paddlers looking for a shorter trip. There is also a recreational trail that follows the canal that can be used for hiking and biking.