Best Kayaking in Illinois

Trying to find the best kayaking in Illinois? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Illinois, LaSalle County

02 :55 hrs
6.9 mi
6.3580017 ft
III

On Illinois River from Lone Point Shelter off IL 71 in Starved Rock State Park to Eagle Cliff Overlook/Starved Rock Lock & Dam. Lots of birds to see, along with beautiful sandstone bluffs.

2

Illinois, LaSalle County

06 :11 hrs
14.7 mi
20.945328 ft
IV

From Pirates Cay access in Norway, IL to Fox River Park in Ottawa, IL. Both free, public access points. Have to get out & go around the dam in Dayton. We weren't sure exactly where to put back in at Dayton dam, so went to far and had to turn back, which added time to our trip. Turn left just past the dam, and you'll see Portage signs to follow to get back on.

3

Illinois, LaSalle County

03 :13 hrs
7.8 mi
25.92308 ft
III

This section of the North Vermilion River is the most popular for whitewater paddlers as it offers the same great scenery as the other sections of the North Vermilion but a lot more exciting whitewater for experienced paddlers. The river offers lots of diverse scenery including impressive cliffs, interesting rock formations, a side canyon up Matthiessen State Park, and lots of dense wooded terrain. The river offers multiple class II-III rapids, boulder fields, and a dam that requires portaging so the run should only be attempted by qualified paddlers. The safety of running the river is dependent on current water levels so check the gauge at the Lowell Bridge, as levels around 2 are best and anything over 4 is questionable. The take-out and put-in spots for this section of the river can also be a little tricky and strenuous so be prepared for a little challenge at the beginning and the end.

4

Illinois, Madison County

02 :06 hrs
5 mi
11.650528 ft
I

Nice slow creek with lots of paddling.

5

Missouri, St. Francois County

06 :56 hrs
16.3 mi
- ft
III

This straight river is definitely not a "float" river. It can be challenging even to the experienced paddler. There are boulders throughout the river making it only possible to do in high waters. There are shut-ins all along the river. This section of the river has Class II and Class III rapids. At the Roselle Access, about 14 miles in, there are some good rapids with fast riffles. The next 1.5 miles will have some 3 sharp drops and continuous rapids. The steepest drop is 4-6 feet. A portage is advised at the Silver Mine Dam. The left side is runnable, but can swamp the craft in high waters due to a high wave that is produced.

6

Iowa, Delaware County

03 :58 hrs
9.4 mi
12.277054 ft
II

Going through wooded bluffs, riffles, riprap and you will find there is access to campsites. At the put-in, the river goes through a canyon, the bottom of a 200-foot valley. There is a canoe access at the Pioneer Road, for those that would like to finish the trip earlier or start it at a lower spot downriver. There also is a change in the landscape as the valley widens. The riverbed becomes sand and gravel; there are farms, wildflowers and wooded ridge. When it splits into two channels, go right or you will miss the take out. Depending on the water level, you will take out upstream or downstream from the bridge.

7

Illinois, LaSalle County

02 :39 hrs
6.5 mi
34.252945 ft
III

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.

8

Iowa, Hopkinton

04 :57 hrs
11.7 mi
11.8550415 ft
III

This trip has lots of different sceneries. You will travel through wooded bluff, rock-lined banks, high sloping wooded ridge, deep woods and narrow valleys. Going by farmlands, lowland plain; the river divides as it goes by a large island. It reunites again after passing it. Take out is upstream from the dam.

9

Missouri, Crawford County

06 :36 hrs
15.8 mi
35.697525 ft
II

This clear-water river is narrow, scenic, and slow-moving. It is a tributary to the Meramec River. You will find yourself surrounded by trees, bushes and grasses along the riverbed. There are some sharp turns and narrow channels. This can become dangerous during high waters. Paddling this river is not advised during high water periods. The creek may be more difficult to run during summer when the waters are low.

10

Missouri, Iron County

04 :59 hrs
12 mi
41.374443 ft
III

Big Creek is a tributary of the St. Francis River. The shut-ins along Big Creek add nicely to the scenery. You will see them as you enter Sam A. Baker State Park. There are sections with rapids once you reach the shut-ins where a portage may be necessary. There is a paved ford just over 2 miles in the will require a portage. Your take-out will be shortly after you enter the St. Francis River.

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