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Exploring the Great Loop: A Journey Through America’s Waterways

The Great Loop is a remarkable, nearly 6,000-mile journey that takes boaters through the interconnected waterways of the eastern United States and parts of Canada. This counterclockwise route traverses the Gulf and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterways, the Erie Canal, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the Mississippi and Tennessee Rivers, offering an incredible experience of diverse landscapes and cultures.

A More Accessible Nautical Adventure

Unlike daunting oceanic voyages that require spending weeks out of sight of land, the Great Loop is a more approachable yet still thrilling experience. Most adventurers navigate it using powerboats, while some choose sailboats, kayaks, and even paddleboards. The journey is often compared to the European canal boat experience, as land remains within sight for most of the route, except for sections like the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes crossings, which add an element of excitement.

A Growing Community of Loopers

Despite its vast geographical span, the Great Loop remains relatively under the radar, with fewer than 200 people completing it annually. Traditionally, retirees have been the primary loopers, but a new wave of families is now embracing the adventure. The ability to work and study remotely has allowed families to turn this trip into an educational and lifestyle experience, reminiscent of the first recorded family voyage in 1906.

Pioneers of the Great Loop

The Great Loop was never officially constructed but follows natural and maintained waterways. The first known adventurer, Ken Ransom, set sail in 1898 with three high school friends aboard a homemade 30-foot sailboat. They endured extreme weather and challenging conditions but successfully completed their journey. In 1906, boat-builder Scott Matthews followed with his family aboard a 70-foot yacht, demonstrating that engine-powered boats were better suited for the expedition.

Over the years, improvements like the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway, completed in 1984, have made the journey more accessible. This shortcut eliminates the lower Mississippi River, known for its heavy commercial traffic, making the trip safer and more enjoyable.

Learning Through Exploration

For many families, the Great Loop is more than just a trip—it’s an opportunity for hands-on education. The Bowlin family, for example, has been on the loop for over 5,000 miles, balancing remote work and school with weekend adventures. Along the way, they’ve gained valuable insights into environmental issues affecting freshwater ecosystems, such as microplastic pollution, agricultural runoff, and invasive species like Asian carp, which pose a threat to the Great Lakes.

Science writer Cynthia Berger and her husband, Bill Carlsen, also explored the loop in 2010 aboard a solar-powered boat as part of a sustainability research project. Witnessing environmental challenges firsthand brought awareness to the pressing need for conservation efforts.

Mini Loops for Aspiring Adventurers

For those who aren’t ready to commit to a year-long voyage, there are several shorter “mini loops” to test the waters:

• The Triangle Loop (One Month): This 700-mile journey passes through the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, and Canada’s Richelieu Canal before returning via the Oswego and Erie Canals.
• The Florida Loop (Two Weeks): A scenic voyage through Lake Okeechobee, the Gulf Coast, the Florida Keys, and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
• The Carolina Loop (Three Days): A 110-mile weekend trip through North Carolina and Virginia, featuring lush wetlands and the historic Dismal Swamp Canal.

The Great Loop continues to evolve, attracting a diverse group of adventurers eager to explore America’s waterways while embracing the challenges and beauty of this unique journey. Whether completing the full loop or trying a mini version, it’s an experience that fosters adventure, education, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

I started the Great Loop in January of 2021. That year, I completed 1550 miles of the loop, Tampa, Florida to Chesapeake VA. I plan to start back in may of 2025 to continue the journey. If you would like to come along, subscribe to my YouTube channel, click here.