Waterways

Beaver Dam – 5.8 miles – River Details

The first mile is an urban paddle through downtown Beaver Dam. It almost feels like paddling through a canyon because of the tall buildings, large retaining walls, and huge boulder-piled embankments.

Shortly after, you’ll encounter the Center Street bridge, which has a larger back roller and some Class 2 rapids. Past the Hwy 151 rapids, the river leaves most of the city behind, relaxes, and slows down. But only for a short period—the river again picks up speed as it enters a heavily wooded section.

This stretch is often very scenic with overarching branches, boulder gardens, pools, and riffles. One of the highlights is a gorgeous 1910 railroad bridge supported by massive stone arches. The river later starts to open up, with farmland gradually replacing the trees.

There are some longer stretches of rapids that have an up-north vibe to them, not what you’d expect from a Southern Wisconsin river—which makes for a neat surprise. Past the Canary Road bridge, the river slows and widens. At one point, the river makes a tight turn over a chute of rapids and flows closely by a historic red barn—a memorable sight.

After Hwy J, the rapids fade away and the paddle transitions into a peaceful wetland stretch.

Crawfish River – 9.5 miles [Dodge County] – River Details

The Crawfish River is approximately 81 miles long and meanders through Columbia, Dodge, and Jefferson Counties. The Dodge County portion begins about a mile south of Ninabuck Road, where the current slows and the river widens as the effects of the Danville Dam start to appear. By the Ninabuck bridge, the current is slow and the final two miles of the trip are, for all intents and purposes, a lake paddle.

County Road TT marks the start of Astico Park. This attractive area is shaped like a bowling pin, forcing the river to flow around it in a huge hairpin turn. In the middle sits a large wooded hill separating the two legs of the river. This is a scenic stretch, with the highlight being a rustic trestle on the east leg.

Close to the dam, the channel becomes surprisingly shallow—at times only a foot deep. This is remarkable considering the dam itself is about 10 feet high, which shows just how heavily silted in the Danville Millpond has become. The portage here is well marked and easy to use, though it sits surprisingly close to the main spillway. From the east bank, there is a fantastic view of the mill and dam—both of which are highly photogenic.

In summary, this is a bit of a tricky trip to judge. The section by Columbus, the middle stretch through the big woods, and the river by Astico Park were fantastic. The highlight was the Danville Dam and mill which, while in considerable disrepair, remain an incredible sight to behold. This is definitely a water trail locals should keep on their to-do list.

Rock River – 320 miles – Canoe/Kayak Brochure

The Rock River in Dodge County drains toward the south, eventually emptying into the Mississippi River. It is located in the eastern half of Dodge County and is generally oriented north-south. Additional information may also be found at Rock River Trail.

Rock River [Waupun] – 7.3 miles – River Details

The first half of this trip is an urban paddle, though the river is mostly flanked by a nice buffer of trees. There are a number of Class 1 rapids (more like riffles), with the first near an obscure park on Pine Street. It’s a fun stretch, with a low pedestrian bridge you’ll need to duck under. The banks are relatively clean, the tree canopies pleasant, and there are occasional light rapids.

After the Hwy MM bridge, the river slows and widens. The dam is easy to portage, with well-marked signs, and the park at the dam is scenic. Below the dam, the rocks have been washed clean, forming an attractive boulder garden. The park is also home to the famous “End of the Trail” sculpture.

From State Road 151, the trip leaves Waupun behind, first passing through open farm fields before transitioning into mostly hardwood forest. This makes for a peaceful woodland paddle with attractive tree canopies and the occasional riffle. At the end of the woods, the West Branch of the Rock River joins the South Branch, significantly changing the river’s character. Soon after the confluence, you’ll encounter light rapids before reaching Roadside Park, a great take-out spot.

Rock River [Horicon Marsh] – 10 miles – River Details

Exploring the Horicon Marsh by canoe or kayak is one of the best ways to experience its vast wetlands and wildlife.

Rock River [Mayville] – 8.1 miles – River Details

This trip begins below the dam with light rapids and attractive streambed rocks. The first stretch is wooded with terrific current (14' per mile), fun riffles, wooded corridors, and small boulder gardens—possibly the best section on the Rock River.

Past County Road Y, the river remains fast and intimate for about half a mile before the Kekoskee flowage begins. The flowage isn’t bad, featuring an interesting embankment to the west and marsh to the east. There is a boat landing at the flowage dam, making a four-mile trip possible. You can also take out by the Cooper Shop Saloon, and the Kekoskee dam itself is quite scenic.

Rock River [Hustisford] – 7.3 miles – River Details

After exiting the Horicon Marsh, the Rock River flows through the City of Horicon and into Lake Sinissippi, formed by the dam in the Village of Hustisford. Beyond Hustisford, the river begins a long meandering journey through the flat rural countryside of the Towns of Hustisford and Lebanon, and into portions of northeast Jefferson County, before flowing back north into Dodge County at the City of Watertown. Harnischfeger Park is a 132-acre park along this stretch, offering a nice break or stopover before continuing on into Jefferson County.