The Route

The Great Loop Route — Overview & Key Logistics

1. What Is the Great Loop?

A continuous boating route navigating Eastern U.S. and parts of Canada, encompassing stretches of the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways (ICWs), the Great Lakes, the Erie Canal, and major inland rivers like the Mississippi and Tennessee–Tombigbee systems. 

Most Loopers complete approximately 6,000 miles, though depending on route choices and side trips, the journey can range between 5,250 to well over 6,000 miles. 

2. Typical Route Segments & Direction

Although there’s no official starting point, many begin in Chicago and proceed counter‑clockwise to take advantage of favorable currents and avoid northern winter ice and southern hurricane season. 

Standard progression:

  • Chicago → Illinois River → Mississippi River
  • At Cairo, IL, most divert via Ohio River → Tennessee River → Tennessee–Tombigbee Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico (safer than lower Mississippi) 
  • Travel the Gulf ICW, then cross Florida via the Okeechobee Waterway or swing through the Florida Keys
  • Northward along the Atlantic ICW, through coastal states to Chesapeake Bay
  • Use the Dismal Swamp Canal or Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal to access the C&D Canal → Delaware Bay
  • Up the Hudson River to Waterford, then traverse either the Erie Canal (with height limits) or take alternative Canadian routes via the Oswego Canal, Trent–Severn Waterway, or Welland Canal to enter the Great Lakes 
  • Navigate Lake Ontario, Lake Huron, then pass through the Straits of Mackinac into Lake Michigan
  • Travel along Lake Michigan’s coasts and return to Chicago 

3. Seasonal Timing & Duration

Route timing is crucial:

Summer: Great Lakes & Canadian waterways

Fall: Inland rivers and southern descent

Winter: Florida and Gulf region

Spring: Ascend the Atlantic Coast 

Most Loopers take 6 months to a year, but timelines can vary widely—from a few months to several years—depending on pace, stops, and side adventures. 

4. Vessel Requirements & Navigation Constraints

Draft (depth below waterline): A draft over 5 ft is discouraged—some areas (e.g., Gulf ICW and Ontario canals) require drafts under 5 ft; Trent–Severn Waterway requires 6 ft clearance and may require waivers; Rideau Canal is only 5 ft. 

Air draft (height clearance): Most restrictive is a fixed bridge on the Illinois River at 19.6 ft. Some Erie Canal bridges may be as low as 15–15.5 ft; Oswego Canal allows up to 21 ft. 

Fuel range: Longest stretch without refueling is ~200 miles between Kimmswick, MO and Paducah, KY. Extra fuel may be needed. 

Locks and canal widths: The narrowest lock is the Port Severn Lock on the Trent–Severn Waterway at 23 ft width—could be restrictive for very wide vessels. 

5. Route Variants & Side Trips

There are several alternate paths and optional side routes:

Instead of going all the way through the Erie Canal, you can divert through the Oswego Canal toward Ontario and follow the Trent–Severn route. 

Adirondack side-loop to Montreal via the Champlain Canal

Optional Lake Superior via the Soo Locks

Coastal east route up through Nova Scotia, via the St. Lawrence Seaway (longer, more open water). 

These variations enrich the trip but require thoughtful vessel and seasonal planning.