Greetings! I have not been very active on the site since during the summer but I am from So. Illinois myself and had planned on doing the river to river trail this past fall. Due to finances and time constraints I was not able to do so but did small sections of it. I am planning to hike the whole trail next year and then within a couple years I plan on doing the Appalachian Trail. If you are planning to hike any length of the River to River trail I would suggest buying these two books:

The Official River to River Trail Guide

This book covers pretty much everything about the trail


Pocket Guide

This is a small guide that has mileage, gps points, ect so you can use it on the trail easier than the main guide.

I am not real experienced in backpacking and prolly not the best person to go to for help but if there is anything I can help with let me know!