Keystone Road Canoe Landing

Site Hours
Open Daily Sunrise to Sunset (Some sites are subject to Seasonal Closures or closures due to special circumstances)

Entrance
6500 Keystone Road, Richmond

Glacial Park Trail Map

Nippersink Canoe Trail Map

Nippersink Creek Float Guide 
(also available in the PSCC App!)

About
A popular spot to launch a canoe or kayak for a trip down the Nippersink, you can chose your trip length and pull out at Pioneer Landing, Lyle C Thomas or the Nippersink Canoe Base.  This site also has a less travelled hiking trail.  The trail can be used to access fishing spots along the Nippersink or just to take a peaceful hike.  The trail does connect with the main hiking trails of Glacial Park but also present a wonderful view of the famous Glacial Park kames.  Come early and watch the sunrise over the kames.

Closures and Water Levels
Paddlers Take Note:  The Conservation District maintains and clears debris only where the District owns the land on both sides of the creek – ie. from Keystone Landing to Pioneer Landing –  not the entire route. The District does not remove obstacles on/along private property. Downed trees or river debris can occur at anytime along the entire route and we cannot provide updated conditions. Paddling this river system is entirely at your own risk!  Only you can decide whether your skills as a paddler are appropriate for the river conditions on any given day. 

Nippersink Creek is one of the highest quality streams in the state of Illinois!  You can help keep it that way be following The 7 Principles - Leave No Trace.

Nippersink Creek Water Levels


The second graph of the USGS water levels, lists cubic feet per second; at least 100 cfs would allow for an enjoyable ride. When waters are moving above 300 cubic feet per second, it is considered fast. When levels are above 750 cubic feet per second, or 7 feet, all launches will be CLOSED due to lack of clearance under two bridges. There is also a  free water level app you can download for your android phone – Riverflows.net

All activities in this area are at the user’s own risk.  It is up to the individual watercraft user to make a decision on whether or not to paddle the waterway given weather, water conditions, and skill level. A river has risks. There may be hazards and dangerous conditions.  During low precipitation periods of drought or high waters after heavy rains, travel along Nippersink Creek is not advised.