We are starting to have more free time on our hands now that the kids have grown too old for all the weekend sports. Decided to buy some kayaks this weekend and took them out on Ada Hayden today. The kayak launch there is great! Our plan is to take them out once a week or so but we would like to explore other places to go. We know there’s Big Creek, Don Williams, Greys Lake, Easter Lake, Racoon River Park,and the river but what are some other options fellow Fanatics have taken their kayaks out on and enjoyed. We don’t mind taking day trips and checking out other parts of the state as my wife loves exploring the nature in new areas. Saylorville seems like it would be too busy with boat traffic but maybe there are parts that are better for kayaking. Appreciate any recommendations as we will try to make it to as many new places as possible this summer.
Places to kayak
- Thread starter clone4lyfe
- Start date
Madison County Water Trail
www.madisoncountyparks.org
Water Trail - Madison County Parks & Conservation Center
One of Iowa’s newest Water Trails has recently been established on Middle River in Adair and Madison County. The trail begins in eastern Adair County at their Middle River Forest County Park and meanders downstream, covering approximately 45 river miles, and currently ends at the historic...
www.madisoncountyparks.org
Spring lake over in Greene County is a nice little park and lake it is either a no wake lake or no motorized lake I can not remember which. It is a small lake and fairly well protected from the wind. It also has camping spots if that interests you. You could easily do the whole lake in a afternoon though.
Just paddled Albright to Tunnel Mill yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. Very scenic and remote. The problem with the Boone River is it’s often too low to float. Coalville to Dolliver on the Des Moines is a great run as well.
Best resource out there for river paddling in the state. Well worth the money.
The DNR has some good alternatives, and a fair amount of overlap, as well: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Water-Trail-Maps-Brochures
Traveling out of the state I enjoyed the Root and Zumbro in SE Minnesota
Sounds like you're more focused on central Iowa.
NE Iowa has some very nice little rivers. I think I've read or seen some things about the northern portions of the Iowa River (Not to be confused with the Upper Iowa) that go through some nice spots.
NE Iowa has some very nice little rivers. I think I've read or seen some things about the northern portions of the Iowa River (Not to be confused with the Upper Iowa) that go through some nice spots.
We live in Boone but not stuck on Central Iowa. Have no problem taking a day trip or even weekend getaway and taking them with us if the lake or river is worth seeing.
Upper Iowa River from Kendalville to Bluffton. It’s not just the best kayaking in Iowa, it’s the best kayaking in the Midwest.
Do you fish also or strictly kayaking? If I lived in Boone I'd be taking it to Brushy Creek regularly.
Me and the wife have a tandem and we like to go to Big Creek, Blue Heron Lake, and Copper Creek.
Grays is ok but the water is kind of nasty and stagnant once it starts getting hot, it's a giant carp, catfish, and gar hole.
Me and the wife have a tandem and we like to go to Big Creek, Blue Heron Lake, and Copper Creek.
Grays is ok but the water is kind of nasty and stagnant once it starts getting hot, it's a giant carp, catfish, and gar hole.
If you want a short but beautiful trip kayaking in the middle of iowa falls on a dammed up river along the lime stone bluffs is something I always sought out.
Wife and I just did this last week in a canoe. It’s beautiful and Bluffton has a bar/restaurant at the finish line.
If comfortable with it being a bit more technical and less reliable water levels I give the Yellow and Volga the edge.
Don't get me wrong though, I love the Kendallville stretch, and I absolutely think you could make a good argument for it over my picks.
One more resource to put in your back pocket:
Handy for reading river levels before you set out. You have to know what is normal for a given gauge, but you can look at historical readings to get an idea.
The gauge we live close to used to have temperature included. That was really handy, but they discontinued it :/
H
Handy for reading river levels before you set out. You have to know what is normal for a given gauge, but you can look at historical readings to get an idea.
The gauge we live close to used to have temperature included. That was really handy, but they discontinued it :/
H
