I don't take advantage of the Canal as much as I should... it's the perfect place to go running, walking, or biking when the weather is not too crazy hot.
It's dog friendly (but please clean up after your pup so I don't step in anything I don't want to)... It's easy to get to, it goes for miles, and it feels pretty safe (although I probably would not run alone when it's dark out).
Like Sarah said in her review., it's not terribly scenic. but it beats running in the street and I enjoy the surface much better than paved road or sidewalk too. I didn't know about the SRP website map, so I'm going to have to check that out for sure!