I just sailed from Baton Rouge, La to Channonhon, Il via the Lower Miss, Upper Miss, & Illinois Rivers. I've been observing parts of the river trail that is running from Minnesota to Louisiana.

From Baton Rouge north to Tallulah, La, the trail is a part of the paved levee highway, although the gravel roads on top of the levee's are available. There are places that you can pass through but don't stop (Blackhawk Plantation, etc). One can usually camp out & fish along the River Banks and the Bar (borrow) pits (between the levee's and the river).

There are active RR Tracks that run along both banks of the Upper Miss & Illinois Rivers. Most of the river banks are open to campers but some areas are clearly marked "No Trespassing". On the Illinois river, I noticed quite a few caves and a lot of weather carved niches in the river rock bluffs that would do for a night.

I've seen deer and raccoon AND lots of Chinese Carp (useless) in these waters.

I'll add more observations as I go on more trips.

The MRT is pretty cool, isn't it? I've been thinking of riding it one of these days.

http://www.mississippirivertrail.org/

The Katy Trail is also a good one, and for the most part follows the Missouri river. I've ridden it and it is a good time.

http://www.bikekatytrail.com/

Greg

sounds fun - more reports please