Pecatonica River in Illinois

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

The Pecatonica River from McConnell, IL to McNeil's/Damascus Landing (pictured) is an easy 7 mile paddling trip. It is a very peaceful, quiet, rural, country setting.

Directions:

West McConnell Road Bridge is 1/4 mile west of McConnell, IL on West McConnell Road.

Car Shuttle directions from West McConnell Road Bridge-PUT-IN to McNeil's/Damascus Landing TAKE-OUT:

  1. From the Put-IN, turn left on West McConnell Road, go about 3/4 mile to Flansburg Road.
  2. Turn left onto Flansburg Road, go about 4 miles to West Cedarville Road.
  3. Turn left onto West Cedarville Road, go about 1 mile to McNeil's/Damascus Landing.
  4. The driveway to McNeil's/Damascus Landing will be on the left, just before the Bridge.

Launches:

The best launch site is about 500 feet downstream from the bridge (river left) on the east side of the river. There is a broken down, but useable, cement ramp a little farther downstream, river left. Simply follow the one-lane path on top of the dike. There is limited parking in this area. There is ample off-road parking east and south of the bridge. This grassy area is owned by our county.

The take-out at McNeil's/Damascus Landing is a floating dock (pictured). This park is owned by the Lena Community Park District. McNeil's/Damascus Landing, on the Pecatonica River, is about 5 miles east of Lena, IL or 3 miles west of Cedarville, IL on West Cedarville Road.

Resources:

www.paddlethepec.com

Trip Details

  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location