Lemonweir River in Wisconsin

Trip Overview

The Lemonweir River is a perfect paddle for folks interested in an easy paddle in what feels like a remote area in southern Wisconsin. It has a sand bottom and very low gradient. We saw at least 6 eagles (mature and immature), countless Orioles, raccoons, deer, and kingfishers. We actually saw an eagle inadvertently go swimming and forced to "swim" with its wings across the river before climbing out on the bank.

It was a slow, quiet paddle that took us about 5 hours to complete 15 miles, paddling lightly. There are a few houses along the way that do not detract from the overall feeling of isolation. The mosquitoes will be doubtlessly unbearable in another week for the remainder of the summer, so be sure to paddle this one in spring before they get too thick or come fully prepared with spray and netting. There were numerous snags in the river, but none were impossible to maneuver around.

I recommend not taking out at Cty HH but rather at the Two Rivers launch at the confluence of the Lemonweir and the Wisconsin River. It is in these last few miles that you experience beautiful bluffs and of course the Wisconsin River. It possible to get turned around a bit near the confluence so allow yourself some time to wind through the maze.

Fees:

No

Directions:

Put in at 19th Avenue bridge just east of Mauston off of 82. Take out at the Two Rivers boat landing marked in the Wisconsin gazetteer.

Resources:

This is the Lemonweir River 2 in "Paddling Southern Wisconsin" by Mike Svob.