The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile system of waterways that circles the eastern United States and parts of Canada. The route is a popular adventure for boaters, and it can be completed in a year or over multiple years. There is no single “official” map or itinerary, as the route can be customized with various side trips and segments. The journey is typically done in a counter-clockwise direction to take advantage of river currents.
Route Segments
The Great Loop journey is typically broken down into four key segments to align with seasonal weather patterns:
- Spring: Boaters travel north along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from Florida to the Chesapeake Bay.
- Summer: The route continues through the Hudson River and Erie Canal to the Great Lakes and Canada.
- Fall: Travelers move south on the inland river system, including the Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee rivers, toward the Gulf of Mexico.
- Winter: The final stretch involves cruising along the Gulf Coast and returning to the waters of Florida.
The total mileage is approximately 6,000 miles, though this can vary depending on side trips and specific route choices. The American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) is a good resource for maps and additional information.
Cabins On The Corner offers Loopers stopping in Steinhatchee convenient transportation, access to a laundry facility, and a fully furnished, Amish-built log cabin for a comfortable stay.