The "Loop"

America's Great Loop is a continuous waterway that circumnavigates the eastern portion of North America. Leaving Lake Michigan at Chicago, it follows the Illinois River to the Mississippi. Then upstream on the Ohio River till it joins the Tennessee River. South on the Tennessee River and the Tom Bigby Waterway to Mobile Alabama. Next the Gulf of Mexico to the west coast of Florida, the Keys and up the Atlantic Coast to New York City. Entering the Hudson River north to the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes.

The trip will require pulling the mast in Chicago and stepping it in Mobile. Then pulling it again for the Erie Canal.

The best source of information about this trip is "America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association". If you see a white burgee showing this route outlining the Eastern US you can be sure that vessel is on the "Loop", or plans to start soon or has already completed the trip.

Map courtesy

Skipper Bob

"The Great

Circle Route"