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Adventures to Welcome Spring
Paddling a Scenic Illinois River
(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: MARCH/APRIL 2000)
Spring's soft palette of green seems to sprout first along the Vermilion River's Middle Fork, which twists for 17 miles north of Danville (140 miles south of Chicago). The year's first paddle on Illinois' only National Scenic Riverway plunges you squarely into the new season.
A spritely current carries canoes past wild irises, violets and Dutchman's breeches. White lilacs nod toward the water, filling the air with their heavy perfume.
Many paddlers start their Vermilion River floats at the Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area and take out some 6 hours later at Kickapoo State Park.
At first, the river tugs your canoe into its center and hurries you through corridors of oaks and arching willows. Downstream, banks rise into tall, sand-striped bluffs.
You also can explore the river valley on 35 miles of horse trails. On two, you ford the waist-deep river. In some spots, you may see deer tiptoeing across. Mallards, which stop at the wildlife refuge on their way north, paddle beside your canoe.
