The Mississippi River – How Long Would it Take To Canoe It?
If you want to canoe the mighty Mississippi River, it will take a serious commitment of time and energy. The official length of the Mississippi River is 2,202 miles. That is the longest river in the United States, and one of the longest rivers in the world. Logistically, the upper and lower sections of the river are separate entities, so in the interest of accuracy, the total distance can be calculated to be closer to 2,720 miles. In short, you won’t be done in a weekend, but with a plan, knowledge and resources, a person can realistically canoe the river in 6-8 weeks.
For those willing to take on a unique and convenient vacation and face the obstacles, here are some basics about the Mississippi River that you should know. The headwaters of the Mississippi River are in Lake Itasca, Minnesota. From there, the river runs south through Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The delta of the Mississippi is at the Gulf of Mexico.
The terrain along the Mississippi River varies from rapid currents to placid lakes, seasonally flooded swamps, and hundreds of miles of wide open riverways. The river and its floodplain traverse through a strikingly beautiful part of the United States that is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Muskrats, beavers, alligators, black bears, mink, and bald eagles all make their home in areas along the Mississippi River.
Contaminated urban sites, as well as many clean and pristine areas, drain indirectly to the Mississippi River. Established shipping channels, which force most of the waters through the central channel, minimize the river’s impact on the land. The most difficult aspect of the trip is crossing many locks, which utilizes the dams to regulate the current and raise the water levels.
If the length of the trip intimidates the prospective adventurer, many companies offer guided trips that span five or six days along stretches of the river. Day trips are also available. However, with the exception of a handful of reservoirs, the pools of the Mississippi are interconnected, allowing canoeists to paddle up or downstream.
To begin your own journey along the river, you should plan for a minimum of 6-8 weeks for the trip, leaving plenty of time for potential weather delays and a possible shortened trip due to weather, equipment failure, etc. With that in mind, it is important to have a realistic timeline that lumps together the time it will take to complete the journey, as well as account for periods of rest along the way.
Safety Considerations
When planning for a canoe trip, safety must be the number one priority. This especially holds true for canoeing the Mississippi River. There are a lot of things to consider: swift-flowing currents, locks, and other obstacles. If a canoe is not well-maintained and the equipment necessary is not taken along, it can lead to very dangerous or even fatal situations.
It is important to make sure the canoe is in good working order, as well as all of your paddles and other equipment. Investing in a good quality life-vest is also a must, as well as studying the basic navigational skills. It is suggested that the canoeist study the various states’ laws governing navigation by canoe.
Rescue services may be available in some parts of the river; some government agencies, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, have a presence along the river. There are also private rescue services available in some areas.
It is also recommended to have a first-aid kit along with you, as well as a plan of action in case of an emergency. Taking along a reliable cell phone is also a good idea, although coverage along the river is not always available.
Equipment
The most important equipment needed for a canoe trip down the Mississippi River is the canoe itself, of course. The canoe should be lightweight, preferably a one or two man canoe or kayak, to make it easier to maneuver. You’ll also need two paddles and two life-vests.
You’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of storage, including a waterproof bag to store all of your extra items such as food, clothes, and bedding. A dry bag or two is also a good idea as they will keep your items dry even in the roughest of conditions.
In addition, it is also important to have an anchor on board, either attached to the boat or suspended from a weight line, in order to stay in place against the strong current of the Mississippi River.
Supplies and Food
A trip down the Mississippi River will take several weeks, so a sufficient amount of supplies and food should be packed. The supplies needed depend on the length of stay and the amount of space available on the canoe. Food should be high in carbohydrates and proteins, and should consist of mostly non-perishable items to allow for easy storage.
It is also important to bring along a source of hydration, such as a water filter or purification tablets. The water found along the Mississippi River is not usually safe to drink untreated.
Finally, a tent, sleeping bag, and other camping supplies should be included to allow for rest stops along the journey. A GPS device is also a must if you are navigating the Mississippi on your own.
As the Mississippi River is so lengthy, navigation is critical and should be taken very seriously. Not only are there locks and dams to be taken into consideration, but there are also many obstacles, such as rocks and sandbars, which can be dangerous. Also, it is important to stay aware of the weather and any potential hazards.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains navigation charts of the Mississippi river, which can be used to plan the route and determine the most efficient way down the river. In addition, there are numerous instructional courses and books available to teach navigation on the Mississippi River.
Charts from the Corps of Engineers can be purchased at local marine stores, and electronic navigation devices can also be used for more detailed navigational information. A cell phone with a downloaded map app may also be helpful.
Research and Preparation
Research and preparation are key components of a successful canoe trip down the Mississippi River. Those who enter into this venture with the desire to understand the landscape, history, and culture along the river will return home with a more complete experience and a better understanding of the unique environment.
It is also important to get as much experience in the canoe as possible before beginning the trip, so that the canoeist is well prepared for the journey. Taking a few trips on local rivers or lakes before attempting the Mississippi River is also a good way to build up the body’s endurance and gives one the ability to become accustomed to the camping lifestyle.
Fundraising is also a great way to help cover expenses. There are numerous organizations that offer grants and funding for long canoe trips. Local newspapers and various websites may also be helpful in finding sponsors or donors who can contribute funds for supplies and other costs for the trip.
The Takeaway
Canoeing the Mississippi River is a challenging and rewarding journey – one that requires preparation, experience, and resources. The river’s length and diversity presents a unique opportunity to explore the United States in a way that few others have, and with the right education, experience and resources, it is a voyage that can be completed in 6-8 weeks.
