Planning the Great Loop: Routes, Seasons, and Key Destinations

The Great Loop is one of North America’s most rewarding long-distance boating adventures, offering thousands of miles of scenic waterways, historic cities, and diverse landscapes. However, completing the journey requires careful preparation. Planning the Great Loop involves understanding the best routes, choosing the right seasons for each leg, and knowing which destinations should not be missed.

For boaters seeking guidance, America's Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons is an invaluable resource. With expert-led boating education courses, navigational support, and a community of experienced mariners, it provides the knowledge and skills needed for a smooth, safe, and enjoyable Great Loop experience. Whether you’re a first-time Looper or an experienced sailor, taking advantage of these resources can make all the difference in ensuring a successful trip.

Understanding the Great Loop Route

The Great Loop route is a continuous waterway that encircles the eastern United States and part of Canada. It takes boaters through a mix of coastal waters, rivers, canals, and the Great Lakes, offering a dynamic and ever-changing experience. While there are multiple route variations, the journey typically follows these key segments:

The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW): Running from Florida to the Chesapeake Bay, this protected waterway minimizes exposure to the open ocean.
The Hudson River and Erie Canal (or Champlain Canal): This segment provides passage from New York into the Great Lakes and offers breathtaking views of the Adirondacks and historic canal towns.
The Great Lakes: Most boaters travel through Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and Lake Michigan, with stops in major cities like Chicago and scenic harbors.
The Inland Rivers: From Chicago, boats head down the Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee Rivers before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.
The Gulf Coast and Florida: After cruising along the Gulf, boaters return to the warm waters of Florida to complete the loop.

Because the route offers different variations—such as taking the Trent-Severn Waterway in Canada or bypassing the Mississippi River via the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway—boaters should study a Great Loop map and determine which route best fits their goals, schedule, and vessel capabilities.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Great Loop?

The time required to complete the Great Loop boating journey depends on speed, weather conditions, and personal preferences. Most boaters take between six months to a year, allowing time to explore key destinations along the way.

A faster-paced journey might take as little as four months, but this requires long travel days with limited sightseeing. On the other hand, some boaters prefer to complete sections over multiple years, storing their boat in one location for a season and resuming the trip later. The key factors that influence timing include:

Seasonal changes that dictate when certain waterways are navigable
The number of planned stops for sightseeing and rest
Weather conditions that may delay progress, such as storms or strong currents
Lock schedules and bridge clearances, which can impact timing on certain waterways

To ensure an enjoyable journey, boaters should pace themselves, remain flexible with their schedule, and take advantage of local knowledge along the way.

Best Time of Year to Start the Great Loop

Since the Great Loop itinerary spans multiple climates, timing is crucial to avoid extreme weather conditions. A general seasonal guide includes:

Spring (March-May): Best for traveling north from Florida up the East Coast. This allows boaters to reach the Great Lakes by summer.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for navigating the Great Lakes and Canadian waterways while temperatures are mild.
Fall (September–November): Time to travel south through the inland rivers toward the Gulf before winter sets in.
Winter (December–February): Boaters can spend the colder months in Florida or along the Gulf Coast before restarting the loop.

A well-planned itinerary should avoid hurricane season in the South (June–November) and ensure that northern waterways are free from ice during transit.

What Size Boat Is Best for the Great Loop?

Choosing the right boat for planning the Great Loop is essential, as vessel size impacts where you can travel. The primary considerations include:

Bridge clearance: The lowest fixed bridge along the Great Loop route is 19 feet, 6 inches (Chicago’s Calumet-Saganashkee Channel). Any boat exceeding this height will need modifications or an alternate route.
Draft depth: A draft under 5 feet is recommended to navigate shallow waterways, particularly in the ICW and certain inland rivers.
Fuel efficiency: Since the journey covers thousands of miles, a fuel-efficient vessel is ideal for keeping costs manageable.
Comfort and storage: Boats in the 35-45 foot range tend to offer a good balance of space, storage, and maneuverability.

While trawlers and motor yachts are common choices, well-equipped sailboats and catamarans can also complete the journey with careful planning.

Where Is the Best Place to Start the Great Loop?

There is no official starting point for planning the Great Loop, as boaters can begin wherever is most convenient. However, popular departure locations include:

Florida: A natural choice for boaters already in the South. Starting here in winter allows for a northbound route as spring approaches.
Chicago: Ideal for those who want to begin by heading south along the inland river system before winter.
New York: A great entry point for those looking to take the Hudson River into the Great Lakes.

Choosing a starting location should be based on seasonal timing and proximity to the boater’s home port or storage facility.

Must-Visit Destinations Along the Great Loop

While every boater will have their own list of must-see spots, some Great Loop destinations stand out as favorites:

Mackinac Island, Michigan: A historic island in Lake Huron with no cars—only bicycles and horse-drawn carriages.
Chesapeake Bay, Maryland: A haven for boaters with beautiful anchorages, fresh seafood, and charming waterfront towns.
Charleston, South Carolina: Known for its rich history, southern charm, and excellent marina facilities.
The Florida Keys: A tropical paradise where boaters can enjoy clear waters, snorkeling, and a laid-back lifestyle.

A well-balanced Great Loop itinerary should include major highlights while also leaving room for spontaneous detours and hidden gems.

Navigational and Safety Tips

Navigating the Great Loop route requires knowledge of locks, tides, and right-of-way rules. Boaters should:

Stay updated on weather and water conditions to avoid storms and rough seas.
Understand bridge clearance and lock operations before approaching.
Follow proper anchoring techniques to ensure safety overnight.
Take advantage of navigation tools such as GPS, charts, and depth sounders.

America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons offers courses covering these topics and more. Education is key to becoming a skilled and confident boater, and joining one of our local squadrons provides access to mentorship, training, and community support.

Ready to Start Your Great Loop Adventure? Contact Us Today!

Planning the Great Loop is an exciting endeavor that requires preparation, skill, and a sense of adventure. Whether you are charting your course, selecting the right boat, or brushing up on your navigation skills, America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons is here to help.

For expert guidance, hands-on training, and a community of experienced boaters, join one of our local squadrons today. To learn more, check out our blog for additional tips and insights.

News and Information