The Canal Loop is primarily a single-track loop located in the northernmost section of Land Between the Lakes, KY. It is open to mountain biking and hiking, and is usually ridden or walked counter-clockwise.

There are two trail heads: the most popular trail head is at the North Welcome Station, and the other is in the big gravel lot on the Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive.

Starting from the welcome station, cross the Trace (Hwy. 453) and enter the trail on the eastern/Lake Barkley side. The trail snakes northward along the lake for about 6 miles before turning west under the Canal Bridge to the western/Kentucky Lake side. The trail then flows southward near Kentucky Lake for about 5 miles.

About 1/4 mile from the trail's end at the welcome station, the trail splits with the right fork continuing south on the North South Trail, and the left fork turning back to the welcome station.

If hikers or bikers desire a shorter route than 11.3 miles, there are four connector trails that one can use to shorten the trail to a more beginner-friendly distance. See the Land Between the Lakes website, www.lbl.org, for trail maps.

The North Welcome Station has a large parking lot, picnic and playground area, bathroom, outhouse (in case the station isn't open), and a potable water source.