So many gems in Illinois to Paddle…
...However, access/trespassing issues are unreal and unfortunate. Illinois goes by its own rules of navigable waters. We hit a couple trails this year - Big Bureau and Covel Creek. I was shocked when a land-owner at the put-in for Covel gave us permission and encouraged us to paddle it. That made our day. But it's the exception and not the rule from the stories and hearsay on FB, etc.
We haven't had any issues on the Illinois paddles we've reported on but we've always respectful and more importantly, aware of the potential issues.
We've also taken chances on places like the Apple - which is basically a militia/security team training ground upstream of the State Park which you're not suppose to paddle for all sorts of "other" reasons - at least that's what the rangers at the park will tell you. Ironically, one of the most beautiful streams in all of Illinois is off limits - and those responsible are from Wisconsin - there's a guy who runs a paddling website in Wisconsin who can tell you more about that from what I understand.
Illinois is tough on paddlers - but really, even tougher on campers. No alcohol in State Parks? Really? It's 2016 folks...
Here's Covel: http://www.milespaddled.com/2016/08/covel-creek/
And Big Bureau from this year: http://www.milespaddled.com/2016/08/big-bureau-creek/