Sangamon River
Macon / Sangamon Co. · 240 mi · Class Riffles
521CFS/ 10.22 ft
Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 500–2000 CFS · USGS #05576000
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Optimal
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Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Lincoln Heritage Water Trail · Sangchris Lake State Park
Abraham Lincoln's river — the Sangamon flows through the heart of Lincoln Country in central Illinois, passing the sites where young Lincoln flatboated, practiced law, and entered politics. The river offers easy flatwater paddling through wooded bottomlands and the restored prairies of Sangchris Lake State Park and surrounding conservation areas.
Trip sections
Decatur to Riverton — 30 mi, Lincoln heritage corridor
Riverton to Springfield — 15 mi, capital city reach
Petersburg to Beardstown — 40 mi, lower river to Illinois River
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.