Lake Clinton is a 5,000-acre V-shaped impoundment in central Illinois, formed in the 1970s by damming the Salt Creek of the Sangamon River. The lake serves as a cooling reservoir for a nuclear power plant, with most of the shoreline managed as a recreational area by the state.

While much of Lake Clinton is open to powerboats, the northwestern arm is restricted to paddlecraft and electric motors, designated as the North Fork Canoe Trail. This area offers a more serene paddling experience, starting narrow and tree-lined before widening into marshes. The water here is shallow and muddy, with minimal current.

Access to the North Fork Canoe Trail is available just off Parnell Road (DeWitt County Road 1200N), where paddlers will find parking and a boat ramp. Notable features include an old metal truss bridge about 100 yards from the access point, which can be easily passed under. Paddlers should be prepared to maneuver around some downed trees.

The main body of Lake Clinton provides a "big lake" feel, better suited for sea kayaks or larger recreational kayaks. Paddlers can explore the coastline towards the dam, where approximately 100 nesting seagulls can be observed in the shallows. The lake offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with sightings of blue herons, hawks, Canadian geese, and white pelicans reported.

Water conditions can become wavy, especially on windy days. The lake's warm waters, influenced by the nuclear plant discharge, allow for extended paddling seasons, with the lake remaining ice-free until the deepest part of winter.

Camping is available at Mascoutin State Recreation Area on Lake Clinton and nearby Weldon Springs State Recreation Area. Facilities at the Northfork Access include restrooms, a fish cleaning station, concrete boat ramp, and ample parking. Hiking trails are also accessible from this location.

No fees are required for lake access, but Illinois law mandates canoe registration. Paddlers should be aware of potential low water conditions in spring, which may limit access to certain areas of the lake.