www.paddlethepec.com
Welcome to Stephenson County's Water Trail
NEW Freeport Canoe Company Rentals
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The Pecatonica River is in flood stage right now !
13' is flood stage at Freeport and is NOT SAFE to paddle !!
Check out The Pecatonica River depth at Freeport, Illinois click here.
Check out The Pecatonica River depth at Martintown, Wi click here.
Go to - www.illinoispaddling.org - River Safety Tips
SAFETY TIPS FOR PADDLING LAKE MICHIGAN
Go to - www.illinoispaddling.org - L Michigan Safety
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Do not paddle rivers in FLOOD stage or after a heavy rain -
currents can become very swift, even in a normally shallow river.
Here are some recent relevant quotes;
March 22, 2008 -Marion Cox Jr., 51, a Joplin Missouri Firefighter, died while kayaking with his youngest son in Center Creek Saturday when his kayak became caught in debris and pulled underwater.
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The river was completely covered bank to bank with only a bunch of squirly waves, made for great squirt boating for one member of the group until we saw that huge log shooting out of the water!!!!)
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The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in consultation with local authorities recently designated the Des Plaines River as a Restricted Boating Area. This action was prompted by significantly hazardous conditions such as swift current, floating debris, flooded timber, lack of clearance at bridges, and cold water temperatures making the waterway treacherous to boaters and safety personnel.
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One thing that you cannot watch for is large woody debris in the water. Those same undertows also pull logs, branches, even whole trees under water, and these can surface at any time, often with spectacular effect. During the flood three years ago, I was standing on the foot bridge over the Des Plaines, watching the river run, taking pictures. While I watched, the top of a tree suddenly appeared out of the river, stood up, then flopped over. This would have had severe repercussions for any small boater who happened to be in its way.
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please read click here
National Safe Boating Week - which will be May 17-23, 2008
It might save your life and save your family a lot of grief.
Have a happy, safe summer.
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GO PADDLE IN A NICE QUIET LAKE UNTIL RIVERS RECEDE TO A SAFE LEVEL!
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Geneva Kayak Center
sales, courses, symposium, events, instruction
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What better way to start or end a paddling trip
than with good food and casual shopping.
You will find it at Lena Mercantile
corner of Illinois Route 73 and West Railroad Street in downtown Lena, IL
open 7 days a week from 9:30am until 5:30pm.
Did I mention desserts, WOW !
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Due to the high river levels and flooding this past spring,
some of our parking lots and cement ramps are muddy.
A Peaceful, Quiet River in Stephenson County, Illinois
***** Slightly Muddy *****
Saturday Aug 11, 2007 - 1:00 to 3:00 PM
A selection of different styles and sizes of kayaks will be available for your use. The owners of Paddle and Trail of Loves Park will lead the clinic. Participants will learn getting in and out of the boat, correct paddle maneuvers, and safety tips. A great opportunity for kayak beginners, or to find a style that’s right for you.
Call the Freeport Park District
RSVP the day before the event to (815) 235-6114 ext. 107
Fees: $6 per person (18 years and older or accompanied by a parent)
Try out a variety of kayak styles or bring your own.
Talk to others who are interested in paddling.
Oct 29,2006 A Rockford Paddling Trip
on the Rock River
Trip Report
click on IPC Rock River Paddle link above for pictures of this trip
NEW Freeport Canoe Company Rentals
---------------
The Pecatonica River is in flood stage right now !
13' is flood stage at Freeport and is NOT SAFE to paddle !!
Check out The Pecatonica River depth at Freeport, Illinois click here.
Check out The Pecatonica River depth at Martintown, Wi click here.
Check out the weather at Freeport, Illinois
SAFETY TIPS FOR RIVER PADDLINGGo to - www.illinoispaddling.org - River Safety Tips
SAFETY TIPS FOR PADDLING LAKE MICHIGAN
Go to - www.illinoispaddling.org - L Michigan Safety
---------------
Do not paddle rivers in FLOOD stage or after a heavy rain -
currents can become very swift, even in a normally shallow river.
Here are some recent relevant quotes;
March 22, 2008 -Marion Cox Jr., 51, a Joplin Missouri Firefighter, died while kayaking with his youngest son in Center Creek Saturday when his kayak became caught in debris and pulled underwater.
------------------
The river was completely covered bank to bank with only a bunch of squirly waves, made for great squirt boating for one member of the group until we saw that huge log shooting out of the water!!!!)
---
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in consultation with local authorities recently designated the Des Plaines River as a Restricted Boating Area. This action was prompted by significantly hazardous conditions such as swift current, floating debris, flooded timber, lack of clearance at bridges, and cold water temperatures making the waterway treacherous to boaters and safety personnel.
------------
One thing that you cannot watch for is large woody debris in the water. Those same undertows also pull logs, branches, even whole trees under water, and these can surface at any time, often with spectacular effect. During the flood three years ago, I was standing on the foot bridge over the Des Plaines, watching the river run, taking pictures. While I watched, the top of a tree suddenly appeared out of the river, stood up, then flopped over. This would have had severe repercussions for any small boater who happened to be in its way.
-----------
please read click here
National Safe Boating Week - which will be May 17-23, 2008
It might save your life and save your family a lot of grief.
Have a happy, safe summer.
------------------
Cold water paddling is NO Joking matter, see info below.
GO PADDLE IN A NICE QUIET LAKE UNTIL RIVERS RECEDE TO A SAFE LEVEL!
----------------
Geneva Kayak Center
sales, courses, symposium, events, instruction
---------------
What better way to start or end a paddling trip
than with good food and casual shopping.
You will find it at Lena Mercantile
corner of Illinois Route 73 and West Railroad Street in downtown Lena, IL
open 7 days a week from 9:30am until 5:30pm.
Did I mention desserts, WOW !
--------------
Due to the high river levels and flooding this past spring,
some of our parking lots and cement ramps are muddy.
Trip #1 - 7 miles - Brewster Landing to West McConnell Road Bridge
Trip #2 - 7 miles - West McConnell Road Bridge to McNeil's/Damascus Landing
Trip #3 - 14 miles - McNeil's/Damascus Landing to Tutty's Crossing in Freeport
Trip #4 - 1/2 mile -Tutty's Crossing in Freeport to Hancock Ave Boat Ramp
Trip #5 - 16 miles - Hancock Ave Boat Ramp to Ridott Fishing Park
Trip #6 - 7 miles - Ridott Fishing Park to 'North Farwell Bridge Road' Bridge
Trip #7 - 7 miles - 'North Farwell Bridge Road' Bridge to Pecatonica Village Park
The Pecatonica River Water TrailTrip #2 - 7 miles - West McConnell Road Bridge to McNeil's/Damascus Landing
Trip #3 - 14 miles - McNeil's/Damascus Landing to Tutty's Crossing in Freeport
Trip #4 - 1/2 mile -Tutty's Crossing in Freeport to Hancock Ave Boat Ramp
Trip #5 - 16 miles - Hancock Ave Boat Ramp to Ridott Fishing Park
Trip #6 - 7 miles - Ridott Fishing Park to 'North Farwell Bridge Road' Bridge
Trip #7 - 7 miles - 'North Farwell Bridge Road' Bridge to Pecatonica Village Park
Pec River level average is 4-5 feet. Flood stage is 13 feet.
Nice 14 mile paddle - combine trip #1 & trip #2
A Peaceful, Quiet River in Stephenson County, Illinois
***** Slightly Muddy *****
WANTED
Service clubs and individual volunteers that care about the
river & conservation
to help with the annual community
Sunday July 29, 2007
SECOND ANNUAL
PECATONICA RIVER CLEAN-UP DAY.
RESULTS
Robin and Gary were cleaning up under the Stephenson Street Bridge.
Full report from the Freeport Journal Standard Newspaper.
Woody Davis of Freeport holds an Alligator Snapping Turtle that was found caught by fishing line.
Hosted by United Sportsmen's Youth Foundation (USYF)
to help with the annual community
Sunday July 29, 2007
SECOND ANNUAL
PECATONICA RIVER CLEAN-UP DAY.
RESULTS
Robin and Gary were cleaning up under the Stephenson Street Bridge.
Full report from the Freeport Journal Standard Newspaper.
Woody Davis of Freeport holds an Alligator Snapping Turtle that was found caught by fishing line.
Hosted by United Sportsmen's Youth Foundation (USYF)
Sunday July 29, 2007
anytime from 9 AM-5 PM
Meet at 1931 Rt. 75E (Rock Hollow)
Rock Hollow Hunt Club
East side of Freeport, IL
anytime from 9 AM-5 PM
Meet at 1931 Rt. 75E (Rock Hollow)
Rock Hollow Hunt Club
East side of Freeport, IL
Picnic for volunteers will follow
Award for the strangest find of the day!
Award for the strangest find of the day!
Call 815-232-5428 to volunteer or
check www.usyf.com for more details.
We welcome volunteers with boats, chain saws & clippers
check www.usyf.com for more details.
We welcome volunteers with boats, chain saws & clippers
Experience paddling a canoe or kayak
Saturday Aug 11, 2007 - 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Krape Park Boat Docks, Freeport, Illinois
A selection of different styles and sizes of kayaks will be available for your use. The owners of Paddle and Trail of Loves Park will lead the clinic. Participants will learn getting in and out of the boat, correct paddle maneuvers, and safety tips. A great opportunity for kayak beginners, or to find a style that’s right for you.
Call the Freeport Park District
RSVP the day before the event to (815) 235-6114 ext. 107
Fees: $6 per person (18 years and older or accompanied by a parent)
Try out a variety of kayak styles or bring your own.
Talk to others who are interested in paddling.
Oct 29,2006 A Rockford Paddling Trip
on the Rock River
Trip Report
click on IPC Rock River Paddle link above for pictures of this trip
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Help clean up the Pecatonica River
Sunday, July 16, 2006
10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
We met at Rock Hollow Conservation Club
Pictures of the Cleanup
http://www.usyf.com/
(We stayed after for a gourmet, complementary cookout and refreshments)
usyf1931@hotmail.com
Thank-you, Mary & Brendon
Help clean up the Pecatonica River
Sunday, July 16, 2006
10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
We met at Rock Hollow Conservation Club
Pictures of the Cleanup
http://www.usyf.com/
(We stayed after for a gourmet, complementary cookout and refreshments)
usyf1931@hotmail.com
Thank-you, Mary & Brendon
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Lyndon to Prophetstown Canoe Race
and paddling info on Rock River in Whiteside County
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Support The Illinois Paddling Council
The Illinois Paddling council is dedicated to promoting the safe enjoyment of all phases of canoeing and kayaking in Illinois, to assure access to the state's waters, and to protect and preserve the natural resources within the state.
Join the Prairie State Canoeists for paddling trips.
NEW launch SITES on the Pecatonica River
McNeil's/Damascus Landing
2008 - cement boat ramp
McNeil's/Damascus Landing now has an elevated driveway and a 80' X 130' parking lot that is graveled.
The changes are dramatic. 9-15-06, with PORT-A-POTTY
NO more muddy feet , no more poison ivy
see the floating boat dock
on West Cedarville Road, north & west corner of bridge
Thank-you to Lena Community Park District
shop locally first -- Paddle & Trail, 7307 N Alpine, Loves Park
http://www.paddleandtrail.com
and paddling info on Rock River in Whiteside County
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Support The Illinois Paddling Council
The Illinois Paddling council is dedicated to promoting the safe enjoyment of all phases of canoeing and kayaking in Illinois, to assure access to the state's waters, and to protect and preserve the natural resources within the state.
Join the Prairie State Canoeists for paddling trips.
NEW launch SITES on the Pecatonica River
Coming soon - McConnell's Bobtown Landing in 2008
2008 - cement boat ramp
McNeil's/Damascus Landing now has an elevated driveway and a 80' X 130' parking lot that is graveled.
The changes are dramatic. 9-15-06, with PORT-A-POTTY
NO more muddy feet , no more poison ivy
see the floating boat dock
on West Cedarville Road, north & west corner of bridge
Thank-you to Lena Community Park District
shop locally first -- Paddle & Trail, 7307 N Alpine, Loves Park
http://www.paddleandtrail.com
A big Thank-you to the Illinois Paddling Council for their support.
Paddle the Pecatonica River Trip
Browntown, Wi to Winslow, IL 12 miles
Sunday, November 6,2005 details
Browntown, Wi to Winslow, IL 12 miles
Sunday, November 6,2005 details
Illinois Paddling Council End of Season Paddle
Sumner Park in Pecatonica Illinois to
Pecatonica Forest Preserve(lunch stop, 5.5 mile) onto
Trask Bridge Forest Preserve (12 mile)
on the Pecatonica River Trip Report Sunday, October 30,2005 details
Sumner Park in Pecatonica Illinois to
Pecatonica Forest Preserve(lunch stop, 5.5 mile) onto
Trask Bridge Forest Preserve (12 mile)
on the Pecatonica River Trip Report Sunday, October 30,2005 details
Paddle the Pecatonica River
Winslow-Brewster Landing to West McConnell Road Bridge
Trip REPORT Wednesday, October 12,2005 details
Winslow-Brewster Landing to West McConnell Road Bridge
Trip REPORT Wednesday, October 12,2005 details
Paddle the Pecatonica River
Brewster Landing to McConnell Road Bridge
Trip REPORT Sunday October 2,2005 details
Brewster Landing to McConnell Road Bridge
Trip REPORT Sunday October 2,2005 details
Paddle the Pecatonica River
Brewster Landing to West McConnell Road Bridge
Trip REPORT Wednesday, September 14,2005 details
Paddle the Pecatonica River
Brewster Landing to McConnell Road Bridge
Trip REPORT Sunday, September 11,2005 details
Prairie State Canoeists paddling trip on the Kishwaukee River Aug 21,2005
Paddle the Pecatonica River
Brewster Landing to McConnell Road Bridge
Trip REPORT August 13,2005 - details
The Pecatonica River Water Trail
A Peaceful, Quiet River in Stephenson County, Illinois
***** Slightly Muddy *****
A Peaceful, Quiet River in Stephenson County, Illinois
***** Slightly Muddy *****
HOME Winslow Campground
FRIENDS OF THE RIVER 
Our message is simple;
We want to promote legal, safe, paddling destinations in Stephenson County on the Pecatonica River that tourists and residents will use and enjoy.
We have about 60 miles of The Pecatonica River running thru our Stephenson County.
In the future, we hope to have about 8 paddling trips, 6 to 9
miles in length. Seven trips can be paddled now. You
will be able to combine segments for a 14 mile paddle, or 21 mile
paddle, or 28 mile paddle, or do all 58.21 miles, someday.
The Pecatonica River Water Trail
A Peaceful, Quiet River in Stephenson County, Illinois
***** Slightly Muddy *****
Here is a picture of a happy paddler.
NO TRESPASSING
Remember, most of the Pecatonica River Banks are private property.
The Pecatonica River is classified as a navigable river and the river is open to the public for public use. Please do not abuse it.
SAFETY TIPS
Think and practice safety on waterways
Paddle with a partner
Wear your PFD (Personal Floatation Device - life jacket)
Carry drinking water
Know your ability and river's demands
Dress appropriately for the weather
Carry a whistle
Avoid lightning, storms and motor boats
Even a small motor boat can create a large wake / wave.
Avoid fallen trees and other strainers
Don't overload boat
Avoid flood water
Strong current requires special skills
Use landmarks to determine location
Read about the basics of paddling.
"Essentials of River Kayaking"
available at most book stores
"Essentials of River Kayaking"
available at most book stores
Purchase Canoe or Kayak equipment at;
Paddle & Trail, 7307 N Alpine, Loves Park
http://www.paddleandtrail.com
Gander Mountain, 3068 McFarland Road, Rockford
http://www.gandermountain.com
Dick's Sporting Goods, 6380 E State St, Rockford
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com
Geneva Kayak Center, 34 N. Bennett Geneva, IL
http://www.genevakayak.com/
Illinois residents are required to register their canoe or kayak.
LEAVE NO TRACE
The Pecatonica River Water Trail
A Peaceful, Quiet River in Stephenson County, Illinois
***** Slightly Muddy *****
A Peaceful, Quiet River in Stephenson County, Illinois
***** Slightly Muddy *****
The River Paddler's Code of Ethics
disclaimer
PaddleThePec.com provides general information and links on the topics of paddling. By providing this information, we do not assume any liability for the use of this information by our readers.
Paddling poses significant potential hazards including risk of injury or death, and each person participating in this activity needs to understand the risks involved, obtain the necessary training and take all the needed precautions.
As the reader, you recognize this, assume all risks of property damage, personal injury and death, and agree to hold PaddleThePec.com harmless from any liability as a result of your use of the information provided in these pages.
PaddleThePec.com also provides numerous links to other websites. These links are for the reader’s convenience and PaddleThePec.com does not accept any responsibility for the content of these other sites, nor for the experience that the reader has with these sites, their products or services.
PaddleThePec.com provides general information and links on the topics of paddling. By providing this information, we do not assume any liability for the use of this information by our readers.
Paddling poses significant potential hazards including risk of injury or death, and each person participating in this activity needs to understand the risks involved, obtain the necessary training and take all the needed precautions.
As the reader, you recognize this, assume all risks of property damage, personal injury and death, and agree to hold PaddleThePec.com harmless from any liability as a result of your use of the information provided in these pages.
PaddleThePec.com also provides numerous links to other websites. These links are for the reader’s convenience and PaddleThePec.com does not accept any responsibility for the content of these other sites, nor for the experience that the reader has with these sites, their products or services.
Freeport Illinois, Pretzel City USA
'man cannot live by pretzel alone'
The Pecatonica River Water Trail
A Peaceful, Quiet River in Stephenson County, Illinois
***** Slightly Muddy *****
Stephenson County has its first and only PORT-A-POTTY on the Pec ! July 15, 2006
at McNeil's / Damascus Landing
web master - email
'man cannot live by pretzel alone'
The Pecatonica River Water Trail
A Peaceful, Quiet River in Stephenson County, Illinois
***** Slightly Muddy *****
Stephenson County has its first and only PORT-A-POTTY on the Pec ! July 15, 2006
at McNeil's / Damascus Landing
web master - email
