The Little Vermilion River is one of the fastest flowing rivers in Illinois providing paddlers with more rapids and riffles than most of the floatable rivers in the state. This portion of the river has the steepest gradient providing paddlers with lots of class I-II rapids and a few class III drops (possible class IV depending on water levels). The river is also very narrow in sections and rocks and strainers are common so some skillful navigating skills are required to run this part of the river. There is also 4-foot dam located between miles 4 and 5 that requires portaging.