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Put-in

Take-out

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Description

Quick Facts: Location: approximately 24 miles south from Madison. Shuttle Length: 1.4-8.8 miles. Character: Rural stream with swiftwater and atypically steady flow (See NOTE in 'River Features'). Uppermost put-in is approximately 867' elevation. Lowest listed put-in is approximately 811' elevation. Take-out is approximately 800' elevation. General Overview A couple of minor rapids (normally just class I) and a few rocks to dodge are the highlights of this small twisty creek. Beginner paddlers from the Madison area find this a handy place to practice in moving water. It is possible to use different put-in and take-out points for trips of various lengths. Gradient is relatively negligible on all sections of this stream, so we are not calculating gradient for each option of put-in/take-out. NOTE: I have received a word of caution that Wild Parsnip is very common in the area. Summer boaters are warned to become familiar with this plant and its effects in order to avoid its unfortunate consequences. ('If the plant juices come in contact with skin in the presence of sunlight, a rash and/or blistering can occur, as well as skin discoloration that may last several months.' 'Sometimes the area that was burned takes on a dark red or brown discoloration that can last for as long as 2 years.') Two excellent sources for information are Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine or the Virginia Tech Weed Identification Guide. GO TO THIS LINK FOR A GOOD PHOTO OF WILD PARSNIP