The Complete Guide to the Great Loop Route

Thousands of boaters dream of completing America’s ultimate maritime adventure every year, yet many never make it past the planning stage. The Great Loop route—a 6,000-mile journey through interconnected waterways—represents the holy grail of recreational boating, but poor preparation turns dream trips into expensive nightmares. From navigating 19-foot bridge clearances to timing hurricane season perfectly, the Great Loop route demands strategic planning that separates successful adventurers from those who turn back defeated. You’ll discover insider secrets from Gold Loopers, cost-saving strategies that protect your budget, and the critical timing decisions that make the difference between an unforgettable adventure and a costly mistake.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to the Great Loop
• Route Overview
• Best Time to Start
• Boats for the Great Loop
• Fueling and Marinas
• Budget and Costs
• Safety and Regulations
• Highlights Along the Way
• Pro Tips That’ll Save Your Loop
• FAQs

Introduction to the Great Loop

Picture a massive aquatic highway that weaves through America’s heartland—that’s the Great Loop, a 6,000-mile circumnavigation of the eastern United States and part of Canada via mostly protected inland waterways. It’s the ultimate boating adventure that transforms ordinary recreational mariners into official “Loopers” once they complete the journey.

Think of the Great Loop as the marine equivalent of a cross-country road trip, except your highway consists of natural and man-made waterways, including the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, the Erie Canal, and the Mississippi and Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Unlike ocean voyaging, where you’re weeks away from land, the Loop keeps you mostly within sight of shore with plenty of marinas and friendly harbors along the way.

The first documented completions date back to the late 1800s, but the real game-changer came in 1984 with the opening of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. This allowed Loopers to avoid heavy commercial traffic on the Lower Mississippi, making the journey safer and more enjoyable for recreational boaters.

There’s no single route or schedule—some speed through in six weeks while others savor it over the years. The America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) has seen membership double in the last decade, with boaters drawn to this perfect blend of adventure, history, and community. You’re not just completing a route; you’re joining an exclusive club of adventurers who’ve experienced North America’s greatest boating challenge while exploring everything from bustling cities to the scenic Trent-Severn Waterway in Canada.

Route Overview

Think of the Great Loop as nature’s ultimate connect-the-dots puzzle—6,000 miles of interconnected waterways weaving through the eastern United States and parts of Canada. The waterway system connects three major segments: the Mississippi River forms the western backbone, the Great Lakes create a massive freshwater sea up north, and the Erie Canal acts as the historic east-west connector.

The Main Highway System

Most boaters starting in Chicago head counter-clockwise to take advantage of river currents flowing into the Mississippi, but there’s no official starting point. You can begin anywhere that suits your schedule and boat location—that’s the beauty of this flexible adventure.

Key Route Segments and Navigation Options

Your boat’s dimensions dictate your path options. The lowest unavoidable fixed bridge sits at 19.6 feet on the Illinois River, making this your ultimate clearance test.

In New York, you’ve got choices. Most Loopers take the Lake Ontario route leading to the scenic Trent-Severn Waterway in Ontario, Canada, offering crystal-clear waters and thousands of pristine anchorages.

The southern leg offers another decision point. While some stay on the Mississippi to the Gulf, most Loopers exit at the Tennessee River to avoid heavy barge traffic, following the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway instead. Each route creates different adventures—from Canada’s historic locks to America’s industrial river highways.

Related: Sail Around the World Route – Best Options Explained

Best Time to Start

Mother Nature sets the schedule on the Great Loop, and smart Loopers know she’s not flexible with her timetable. Think of it as following the snowbirds—except you’re doing it by water.

Seasonal Navigation Strategy

The Loop’s beauty lies in its seasonal rhythm, but getting the timing wrong can turn your dream trip into a nightmare. Most Loopers kick off their adventure in early April from Florida, riding the warm weather northward like a liquid highway. You’re essentially racing spring north, staying ahead of perfect weather while avoiding the brutal southern heat by summer.

Begin your journey northward from Florida at the start of April, aiming to reach the Chesapeake Bay by mid-May. Summer’s your golden window for northern waters—plan to hit the Erie Canal by mid-June and the Great Lakes during peak season when those massive waters are most cooperative.

Hurricane Season and Gulf Coast Timing

Here’s where the Loop separates the smart from the sorry—hurricane season runs June through November, and you don’t want to be caught playing dodge-the-storm. The Gulf Coast from Texas to the Florida Keys faces particularly high risks during this period.

By late September, you should be heading down those inland rivers, putting distance between you and hurricane alley. The snowbird migration isn’t just for RVers—boat snowbirds follow the same pattern, flooding south as temperatures drop. Aim to cross Florida’s “big bend” before December to avoid winter fronts and conclude your Loop adventure in Florida’s warm waters by mid-December.

Boats for the Great Loop

Your Loop adventure hinges on one unforgiving measurement: 19 feet, 6 inches. That’s the height of the lowest fixed bridge on the Illinois River, and there’s no way around it. Think of it as the Loop’s ultimate gatekeeper—if your boat can’t squeeze under, you’re not joining the club. Many successful Loopers solve height issues by installing hinged radar arches or removable antennas.

Draft becomes equally critical—5 feet or less keeps all doors open, while anything deeper starts closing options. The sweet spot sits around 4 to 4.5 feet, giving you access to every waterway without constant depth anxiety.

You’ll need a minimum range of 208 miles between fuel stops, with some stretches requiring up to 450 miles for gas-powered boats. Trawlers cruise at 7-8 knots and deliver exceptional fuel economy, easily achieving better than 2 nautical miles per gallon. Compare that to powerboats burning 20-30 gallons per hour at speed, and you’ll understand why trawlers dominate the Loop.

Living aboard for months demands thoughtful comfort planning. Trawlers offer displacement hulls with single-diesel power, creating steady motion that won’t leave you seasick. Flybridge boats provide crucial 360-degree visibility for navigation. Popular loop-capable boats include trawlers (the overwhelming favorite), cabin cruisers, and catamarans—proving the best boat for YOUR Loop fits your cruising style and comfort requirements.

Fueling and Marinas

Fuel planning on the Great Loop isn’t just about finding gas—it’s about strategic thinking that can make or break your journey. There’s a 200-mile stretch from Kimmswick, Missouri, to Paducah, Kentucky, where no fuel’s available near the water, and that’s the kind of detail that separates prepared Loopers from the stressed ones.

Marina fees range from $0.50 to $6 per foot, depending on location, with Northeast marinas hitting your wallet hardest at places like Liberty Landing Marina in NYC at $6/foot, while Midwest river marinas offer budget-friendly $1/foot rates. Smart Loopers grab mooring balls when available—they’re fixed-price alternatives offering marina amenities without premium dock fees.

Fuel costs typically represent 30-40% of your total Loop expenses, making efficiency your secret weapon on this 6,000-mile journey. Your boat needs enough range to handle at least 200 miles between fuel stops, though some stretches require up to 450 miles for gas-powered boats. Successful Loopers research fuel prices ahead of time using resources like Waterway Guide and Cruisers Net, always checking whether advertised prices include tax.

The America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) creates a powerful network where members share real-time information about marina conditions, fuel prices, and service quality through their discussion forums. This intel proves invaluable for planning your next fuel stop or finding those hidden gem marinas that cater specifically to the Looper community.

Budget and Costs

The Great Loop costs range from $25,000 for frugal smaller boats to $125,000+ for luxury motor yachts, with most Loopers spending $30,000-$50,000 total. Your three biggest expenses will make or break your budget:

• Fuel (30-40% of costs) – Speed kills budgets exponentially. Dropping from 10 to 8 knots saves thousands over 6,000 miles. Consumption ranges from 1 gallon/hour (small sailboats) to 25+ gallons/hour (large motor yachts)
• Marina fees ($0.50-$6/foot nightly) – Northeast marinas cost the most, Midwest rivers the least. A 40-footer pays double what a 20-footer does. Smart Loopers anchor out frequently and use mooring balls when available
• Maintenance and repairs ($500-$1,000+ monthly) – No boat escapes 6,000 miles without issues. Budget extra for surprises and bring spare parts
• Living expenses ($5,000-$10,000+) – Groceries, dining, entertainment, and boat insurance (often doubles) add up quickly

AGLCA’s Cost of Looping Calculator lets you search actual expenses from completed Loopers with similar boats and cruising styles—invaluable for realistic planning.

Related: 18 of the Best Books on Sailing

Safety and Regulations

The Coast Guard doesn’t mess around when it comes to your safety gear—and for good reason. According to the Coast Guard, vessels must have USCG-approved PFDs for each person, at least one B-1 fire extinguisher, proper visual distress signals, and a sound-producing device. All recreational vessels must carry one wearable life jacket for each person on board. Any boat 16 feet and longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry one throwable (Type IV) device. Those life jackets sitting in a sealed compartment won’t help when you’re suddenly in the water—they must be readily accessible.

Canada flips the script with mandatory licensing. In Canada, if you operate a boat with a motor and use it for recreation, you need proof of competency—the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). Operating without proof of competency can result in a $250.00 fine. You can complete the required course online before heading north.

For several years, obtaining insurance has been one of the biggest challenges in buying a Great Loop boat. Most policies require you to stay out of hurricane-prone areas from June through November, and some need specific riders for Canadian waters. Contact your broker early to understand coverage gaps.

Highlights Along the Way

The Great Loop delivers unforgettable destinations that showcase America’s diverse waterways and landscapes. Here are the must-see highlights that make this journey truly special:

• Chicago’s Urban Spectacle – Cruise through downtown surrounded by gleaming skyscrapers and over 40 historic drawbridges, with sunrise views that many Loopers call their trip’s highlight
• Chesapeake Bay Paradise – Explore 11,500+ miles of shoreline with countless coves and anchorages, from St. Michaels’ deep harbor to Annapolis’s sailing mecca
• Hudson River’s Majestic Corridor – Experience breathtaking approaches to NYC with the Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower views, then enjoy mountain-flanked waters dotted with historic lighthouses
• Great Lakes Wilderness – Navigate Georgian Bay‘s crystal-clear waters and 30,000 islands, plus the remote beauty of the North Channel’s pink granite outcroppings

Pro Tips That’ll Save Your Loop

The best Loopers aren’t the ones with fancy boats—they’re the ones who listened to Gold Loopers first. Join AGLCA and hit those dock-tails before you even cast off. The most dangerous thing on the Loop? A rigid schedule. The weather doesn’t care about your dinner plans.

Don’t skip maintenance just because you’re having fun. Identify every single point of failure on your boat—spare parts beat emergency repairs every time. Pack smart: dock lines, magnetic hooks, cash for tips, and ziplock bags. There’s no wrong way to Loop—just stay safe and flexible.

FAQs