I know one couple that jumped in the Mississippi from Tennessee I believe. I also believe they did not have to lower the mast, can't say further North. Agree with many, have a nice trip down, haul it back. Or, come up the east coast and do the loop.
I almost hesitate to ask about the Erie canal to New York . . . . . {no need to respond to that which might shove the thread off topic, I'll join some thread about it closer to the time that it may be pertinent}
Look up the log of the Chinook Log of the Chinook
They are currently doing the great loop.They started in July of this year and are now in Venice Beach Florida. Sumner a Mac owner had mentioned their posting on another forum but Chinook did not post that site. This may give you an idea of what to expect.