Sangamon River in Illinois

Trip Overview

My son Mark and I paddled the stretch of Sangamon River from behind Briarcliff subdivision (route 47 north Mahomet, past the Lake of Woods (LOW) entrance) down to the pedestrian bridge that crosses Route 150. The take out was by the pedestrian bridge. The post-rain conditions caused the river to swell, and the conditions were muddy and dripping. We encountered the only truly scenic part of the two-kayak paddle as we rounded a gentle curve and went under the rustic LOW covered bridge. From there downstream it was one log jam after another. Although we could ferret out a spidery reproach through the fallen branches on a couple, most had to be portaged in the mud. Total distance was only about 1 -1.5 miles, but total time--even with fast current--was about 2 hours 9because of many log jams). This particular stretch of the Sangamon River is not recommended.

Accommodations:

Toilets at Lake of Woods Park.

Fees:

None.

Directions:

Mahomet, Illinois, access via Briarcliff subdivision or Lake of the Woods county park.