"Everything goes somewhere"
Powerhouse Road to Paddy's Landing
The trip:
This is our best trip for beginners. In fact, this would be our recommended trip for any person new to the sport of kayaking and want to try moving water.
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A very nice put-in at the powerhouse starts your trip through a rock garden in some fairly shallow water but also some nice riffles and rapids. The east side (river-left) of the river is Black River State Forest, as is the island directly ahead of you. The property on the west side (river-right) is private property until you are a bit beyond the island (shown as the thin lime green horizontal line in the map to the right).
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You are free to get out on Black River State Forest land whenever and wherever you wish.
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The island can be navigated on either the east or west channels, although both will have you searching for the right line to run in lower water levels.
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Once the two channels merge back together and you experience some nice splashy rapids, you will paddle quiet water the remaining distance to Paddy's Landing.
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Paddy's Landing is a nice take-out, and a nice place to just hang out for awhile.
Duration: 30 to 60 Minutes
Difficulty: Beginner
Water Class: less than Class I
Leg: Powerhouse Road to Paddy's Landing
Leg-specific precautions:
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There is some pretty deep water in places; always wear your PFD!
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Shallow and rocky rapids in places; always wear your helmet!
About the Put-In (Powerhouse Road Landing):
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The power company maintains the put-in which is one of the better ones you will find
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Parking: there is parking for three to four vehicles
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Facilities: a porta-potty is available
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Description: a slight rocky path takes you to a nice flat put-in area beneath the powerhouse.
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NOTE: ALWAYS STAY CLEAR OF THE POWERHOUSE ITSELF AFTER YOU ENTER THE WATER!
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About the Take-Out (Paddy's Landing):
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Jackson County maintains a dirt road down to a small parking area
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Parking: there is parking for two to three vehicles
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Facilities: none
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Description: easy short hike from gravel/sand bar to parking area
