The gentle to moderate flowing river drops an average of 3.4 ft/mile from Chatfield, Minnesota , to its pour point in the Mississippi River into Navigation Pool 7 just south of La Crosse, Wisconsin . At normal to low levels there are some shallow rocky sections, while at high levels there are a several pedestrian bridges (not shown on my map) and other obstacles that can be potentially hazardous. The main channel passes along the east side of this island. At higher levels (4 to 7 feet) the rocky areas that made up the short easy rapids/riffles are often completely submerged and become faster moving sections with slightly choppy water. Be aware that the river below Horlick Dam (from Horlick Dam all the way to Lake Michigan) is popular with fisherman. Visit our Passport FAQ page for a complete overview of what to bring, what you need to know, and how long it will take. Since you've already paddled upriver, you essentially already scouted out the fast sections for jambs or other obstacles so you really fly. Also, this section of the river is restricted to electric motors only, so you won't be dodging motorboats and personal watercraft here. The bank can be up to 3 or 4 feet above the water at normal water levels (less at high water). Nine sub-watersheds contribute flow: the Upper Root, Whitnall Park Creek, East Branch, Lower Root, Middle Root, Root River Canal, West Branch Root River Canal, East Branch Root River Canal, and Hoods Creek. There the river straightens as the valley broadens considerably. South Branch of the Root River, Minnesota The South Branch of the Root River is one of Minnesota's better trout streams. Office locator map Media inquiries Careers Mission statement Social media Volunteering More » Home Destinations Wildlife management areas (WMA) Page Menu Root River WMA: Main Unit Questions? Root River, Wisconsin Racine county, Horlick Dam to Quarry Park section road map. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters There is a potential put-in spot at County Line Road just east of Nicholson Road. Most of the activity was seen at the Horlick Dam as anglers were targeting the salmon and trout that are staying in the deeper pools now that water levels have dropped significantly since last week’s rain. The put-in above Horlick Dam is a developed boat ramp that makes for a very easy launch. Once you get to the point where the speed of the current surpasses your paddling capacity (or you just get tired), you turn around and enjoy a fast ride back to the launch. If paddling below Horlick Dam, you can check water levels at the Racine Gauging station: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wi/nwis/uv/?site_no=04087240&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060. In fact, under the right conditions (rare very high water levels) this short section (less than a half mile) turns into some serious whitewater. It's a bit unusual to start with a route in the middle of a river, but this is the most popular section of the river for paddlers. This is used as a takeout for whitewater paddlers or can be used as a put-in if you want to try paddling upriver here. This page was last modified on 13 June 2008, at 11:46. There is also a park (Charles A. Armstrong Park) on the west bank a little over a mile upriver from the main landing that would make for a nice put-in, however this is a private park for the employees of SC Johnson so it's off limits to the rest of us. The Root River runs approximately 18 Miles (as drawn on my map) through Racine County and then into Lake Michigan. At high water levels, paddling upriver through this section becomes increasingly more difficult. Some of its better fishing is Root River is a river in Rushford Village, MN in Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Trail map of the Root River Pathway from MRK Trail at Layard Ave. to Washington Ave. . I'm going to describe this section as though you are paddling both ways. The South Branch rises in Mower County as agricultural drainage ditches, which disappear underground, re-emerging as a much cooler stream at Mystery Cave near Preston, Minnesota. This is a limestone, spring creek that for the most part, flows through pastures. . The river runs right along County Line Road briefly and there is a small section of wider shoulder just west of the curve in the road where you should be able to park and access the river. This map is also available for download as a High Resolution PDF version of Root River Overview Map. South Branch Root River is a stream in Minnesota and has an elevation of 801 feet. The parking area is just north of Highway 38 off of Rapids Drive and North Green Bay Road. At normal water levels, you will have many shallower sections with some sections of short shallow very easy rapids/riffles intermixed with quiet sections with almost no noticeable current. The section of river between this put-in and the steelhead facility is also tricky to catch the right water levels. Most of the river is suitable for quiet-water paddling under the right conditions, however, water levels can make a huge difference on this river and at least one section (the section below the dam at high water) is not suitable for quiet-water boats. Do more with Bing Maps. At levels below 2 feet, some of these sections may require a little walking. Another route would take you south on Hwy 38 (see the second map) to Spring Street. There is a string of city parks located along this section of the river and you can scout out a variety of places to put in. The section immediately below Horlick Dam is generally too shallow to paddle at normal water levels, but becomes fast whitewater at high water levels (not suitable for quiet-water canoes and kayaks). In addition, I have included a separate map image (further down this page) that is an enlarged version of the popular section from 5 Mile Road to the developed canoe launch above Horlick Dam. Unfortunately, the river has changed and not for the better. Root River Parkway is situated west of Greenfield. Take a right on Spring Street and then travel about 2 blocks to the entrance of Lincoln Park. About a half mile below the steelhead facility, the channel splits creating a large island (Island Park). It's actually kind of fun because the current gradually increases as you head west from the Highway 31 bridge so you can challenge yourself by seeing how far you can get upriver against the ever increasing current. There is a map of the Root River Pathway available at the City of Racine Website. The channel on the west side of the island is much narrower and has more obstacles. The river gradually deepens over the next mile or so and basically turns into a long harbor. The Root River runs approximately 18 Miles (as drawn on my map) through Racine County and then into Lake Michigan. The 3.1-mile section between Highway 31 and 4 Mile Road becomes faster because of sections of narrower channel and shallower rocky bottom sections. The Root River & Harmony-Preston Valley state bike trail system combine to create over 60 miles of paved, DNR-maintained trail. The riverbank along the park is the outside of a curve in a prairie section of the river and subsequently is characterized by a short steep drop-off at the river bank (erosion bank). The 48°F water creates superb conditions for brook trout. You could optionally put-in or take out just a little further upriver in Colonial Park off of West High Street. The S-curve in the river just of County Line Road seems to accumulate downed trees and other debris. At normal water levels, the section between Highway 31 and 4 Mile Road will have several small sets of rapids/riffles separated by slow moving pools. The first mile upriver from the dam is essentially a long lake; there are quite a few houses on this section, but most are set back in the woods on high banks and are not as obtrusive as you might expect. Root River is a very enjoyable, relaxing, memorable ride and worth checking out. The Root River flows for 80 miles (130 km) through the Driftless Area of southeastern Minnesota and is a tributary of the Upper Mississippi River. The river lies within Minnesota's Driftless Area, a region which missed being glaciated during the last ice age, i.e., the Wisconsinian glaciation. At normal water levels, the 3.3-mile stretch between Highway 31 and Horlick Dam has virtually no noticeable current making for some easy paddling upriver. The southern section runs through a series of city parks and urban areas. The DNR lacks interest in removing dangerous debris. Once again, it can be tricky finding the right water levels for paddling this section upriver. Map Explore Plan History Help Sign Up Log In Give the gift of adventure. Formed of two branches in the west, the North and Middle, the Root River winds past towering bluffs topped with oak and hickory. This is especially true in the fall when the salmon are running. The Root River maintains a timelessness as it represents some of the finest scenic and historic qualities which characterize southeastern Minnesota. There is no developed launch area here but there is plenty of river access in the park. Gone are the good old days when the Root River was a lazy tube filled with relaxation and fun. During this time, the banks and some sections of the river itself can be very crowded with fisherman. There are a total of 117 miles of rivers and streams in the Root River watershed. The Root River State Trail in southeast Minnesota is a paved, 42-mile bike route through one of the state's most beautiful and unique landscapes: the Driftless Region. The map also shows the parks along the river. Welcome! I think at levels of 6 feet or below, you can generally expect it to be open, and at levels above 8 or 9 feet it will likely be closed, but at those levels between 6 and 8 feet ??? From Mapcarta, the free map. Racine and Racine County are named for the river, as racine is the French word for root. However, if you are just paddling downriver at high water levels, an unexpected downed tree, low hanging branch, or log jamb in a fast section can become a real hazard here. Thank you to all Volunteers participating in the Root River bank clean ups on October 3rd and 17th! The "R's" on my map are in spots where I experienced short faster slightly choppy sections at high water. When the two channels merge back together, the river widens significantly but is still rather shallow. I've only paddled above 5 Mile Road once and that was at high water (between 5 and 6 feet at the Franklin gauging station) so I'm guessing a little as to how it would be at normal levels. Normal levels for the river are generally around 2.0 feet (at the Franklin Gauging Station). The Root River Trail is built on an old rail bed, so it is very flat and smooth with very gentle slopes (the engines couldn't pull up steep slopes), which makes for a very pleasant ride. Waterfowl Area Quarry Lake Park If you're interested in paddling the sections from Colonial Park through Island Park I suggest you take a walk or bike ride along the Root River Pathway first to check out the conditions. It is an excellent river for canoeing . 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