The North Fork of the Maquoketa River gives one the opportunity to imagine oneself in true wilderness. Averaging 70 feet wide this shallow stream is characterized by a sandy bottom sometimes interspersed with rocks and boulders below steep bluffs and wooded shorelines.
The North Fork begins in Dubuque County north of Holy Cross, swings into Delaware County then enters Jones County in Cascade before heading into Jackson County and joining the Maquoketa River near Maquoketa.
From Cascade, downstream paddlers will enjoy the agricultural and small town views before entering a long and pristine stretch of inaccessible wilderness, roughly 18 miles between access points. Paddlers will pass through and by both the North Fork Wildlands Wildlife Area and Searryl’s Cave State Preserve. Named after the original homesteader, Searryl’s Cave, twisting 565 feet underground, is known for its large colony of hibernating bats. At the end of this 18 mile stretch paddlers can take out in Jackson County at the Ozark Bridge on 21st Ave or at Caven Bridge Access on 60th Ave.
Full water trail map available here (http://bit.ly/2FF2xgO)
ADDRESS18670 63rd St., Maquoketa, IA 52060
DIFFICULTY
21 & OVERNO
KID FRIENDLYYES
PET FRIENDLYYES
PHYSICAL RESTRICTIONSNO