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Access Site IA

Benton City - Fry

West Fork Cedar River

Source: iowa_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

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City: Vinton, IA
County: Benton County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.16181944, -91.91970144
536J+P4 Vinton, IA, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
West Fork Cedar River at Finchford, IA Same River 45.4 mi away
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Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Cedar River
3 runs (2 nearby)
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
III Downstream from here (33.6 mi to put-in) Palisades-Kepler State Park (PnP)
0.6 mi
II Upstream from here (44.4 mi from take-out) Clay Hole, Cedar Falls (PnP)
0.2 mi 12 ft/mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
II(III) 81 mi away Charles City Whitewater
0.3 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Benton City-Fry Recreation Area provides a quiet boat ramp and river access point along the West Fork Cedar River in northeastern Benton County, near Vinton. This scenic camping area offers a peaceful setting for launching kayaks, canoes, and small boats onto the river. The site includes a dedicated boat ramp, making it convenient for getting watercraft into the water.

Paddlers should note that the next downriver access is approximately 9.5 miles downstream at the Edwardsville Access Ramp (river mile 16.6). This section transitions from a suburban river setting to an area lined with housing, businesses, and parkland. The recreation area also offers camping facilities and hiking trails if you're planning an extended visit, making it a good base for a paddling trip or weekend getaway on the Cedar River.
Amenities
restrooms