Mound City

Mound City provides public boat access to the Ohio River in southern Illinois, offering a straightforward launch facility with a wide ramp and ample parking. This access point serves as a convenient departure for paddlers and boaters exploring the major river corridor in the region.

The Ohio River at this location is a significant waterway—the 9th-order stream drains over 200,000 square miles and averages more than 300,000 cubic feet of water per second. Boaters should be prepared for a powerful, fast-moving river with an average velocity of 7 feet per second. Upstream, Locks and Dam No. 53 affects water levels and flow conditions, so paddlers planning multi-day trips should check current dam operations. The relatively gentle gradient (0.4 ft/mile) makes the river navigable, though the substantial current and commercial barge traffic require careful attention and planning.

The site sits near Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, providing scenic value for nature-minded paddlers. This location is part of the emerging Ohio River Water Trail, which eventually aims to extend across the entire river system from Pittsburgh to Cairo, Illinois.