Join Menard County Trails & Greenways on October 16, 2021 as we paddle 5 beautiful miles of the Sangamon River from the Gudgel Bridge to the New Salem riverside picnic area/boat ramp.

Explore on your own or take part in a guided float to learn about the geology, history and nature of the Sangamon River in Menard County. Immediately following the float everyone is invited to socialize around a cozy campfire for a weenie roast (provided with registration).

This stretch of the river has an exceptional natural history story to tell. Each participant who chooses to partake in the guided tour will receive a points-of-interest location map and corresponding handout with a detailed description of each stop. Experts will be floating along with the group to answer questions.

All participants must pre-register! Registration ends October 14th at midnight.

Rain Date - October 17, 2021

The MCTG Fall Float volunteers will be at the Gudgel Bridge launch site at Noon Saturday to receive your equipment. Bus shuttle departs New Salem picnic area at 1:00 PM. Please provide yourself sufficient time to drop your equipment off at the launch site and drive to New Salem to sign-in and complete your registration before 1:00 PM. Our goal is to have all the boats in the water and ready to paddle by 2:00 PM. We plan to arrive at the take-out, New Salem State Historic Site riverside picnic area/boat ramp, no later than 5:00 PM.

Socializing around campfire for a weenie roast with fellow floaters will immediately follow the float at the New Salem riverside picnic area.

Registration closes October 14 at midnight (which is technically October 15)!!

What's Included

• Shuttle ride from New Salem picnic area/boat launch to Gudgel Bridge
• Snacks
• Tour map, guide handout and local experts
• Weenie roast, with chips, drinks and S'mores!

Each Participant MUST

• Register online before October 14th at midnight, 2021
• Sign a Waiver and Release of Liability form (provided at sign-in)
• Provide a canoe or kayak and paddles
• Provide a PFD(personal flotation device)
• Be responsible for delivering your equipment to the launch site at Gudgel Bridge and complete your registration and sign-in at New Salem before 1:00PM. (Detailed directions will be provided after online registration.)

Cancellation Policy

• In the event the float must be cancelled due to inclement weather, unsafe river conditions, or new Covid-19 CDC recommendations registrants will be notified by email and receive a full refund.
• Cancellation policy for registrants: Ticket price (minus handling fee) will be 100% refunded if cancelled prior to October 6, 2021. Refunds will not be granted after October 6, 2021.