Little Wabash River in Illinois

Trip Overview

I recently took a trip down the Little Wabash River with a friend. We both have sit on top kayaks. The water was up slightly and it was good thing because in multiple spots we both dragged the bottom. Nothing major in fact had we been able to read the river better and stay in the main channel we probably wouldn't have had any issues.

The bad part of the trip was a log jam that was at least 75 yards worth of debris. This resulted in a portage through horse weed mixed with itch weed. Not great when your wearing shorts and sandals.

Besides that it was a very peaceful trip. We did not see anyone else around the entire trip. Using google earth we pathed the river trip as being 15 miles. It was a 6.5 hour trip of steady paddling with short stops. We were not in a hurry that is just the way it worked out.

All in all, if the water is up I would recommend this trip but the water better be up. If you go to the Little Wabash west on Rt 40 and the water is not flowing over the river dam FORGET ABOUT IT.

Accommodations:

Absolutely none

Fees:

None

Directions:

From Effingham, go West on Rt 40 until you hit the Little Wabash. Make sure you put in downriver from the low water dam head or you will find a waterfall on your trip. We got out on Rt 37, 15-ish miles of river later.