Menominee River
(ME1) Piers Gorge, Wisconsin Trail Guide

Trail Facts

Synopsis

Trail Review

Piers Gorge is a short, high-adrenaline action run that serves up a class IV drop named Missicot Falls along with several class II and class III features, all in one of the most beautiful river-gorge settings in the Midwest. Water levels are controlled by the Little Quinnesec Falls Dam, which generally has a steady release rate for fairly consistent whitewater throughout the warm-weather season. This is a great destination when other whitewater rivers are running low. A number of outfitters provide guided rafting trips and, shuttle services for kayakers running the gorge.

While the boundaries of what's considered 'Sick' or 'Crazy' in whitewater kayaking are constantly being pushed to higher, more dangerous heights every year (You-Tube: 'Rush Sturgess Highlights'). The run through Piers Gorge - while only a class IV :) - should still be on the "been-there, done-that" list of any advanced/expert whitewater kayaker who resides in the upper Midwest. Piers Gorge offers a ton of opportunities to play and test your skills, and there are enough drops, holes, surfing waves and haystacks to make the day interesting and the long drive worthwhile. A nice trail system runs through the forest along the north bank (Michigan side) with plenty of access points above and below Piers Gorge. So you can make run after run 'till your heart's content.

Whitewater Rafting

For all you newbie's out there, reading this and planning your first whitewater rafting trip, just ignore what you read in the previous paragraph about this '...only being a class IV run'. Because, when you're in the raft, approaching Missicot Falls and the walls of Pier's Gorge, you'll hear this bone-shaking roar and see the massive plume of Volkswagen Rock dead ahead. Suddenly, the front of the raft dips and the world turns white, that's when the adrenaline kicks in and you'll be asking yourself:
"If this is only class IV, what the heck is class V ???"
...or
...like most people
...you'll just be screaming!

Camping

Michigan State Forest Campgrounds

The nearest family camping is at the Carney Lake State Forest Campground in Michigan. This scenic, rustic campground offers 17 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Private Campgrounds and Outdoor Adventure Resorts

Thornton's, Kosir's and the Wildman Whitewater Ranch all feature excellent, well-maintained family campgrounds and cabins near the Peshtigo River. Each resort offers camping and lodging in addition to their whitewater rafting trips and kayaking shuttle services for the Menominee and Peshtigo Rivers. Wildman Resort has two modern cabins at their 'Menominee River Outpost'.

Season

Water levels are almost never too low for paddling. However, release from the Little Quinnesec Falls Dam determines water levels and the dam does not operate on a set schedule. The river levels can fluctuate from as low as 600 cfs to as high as 20,000 cfs. Always check the Little Quinnesec Falls Dam voice-recording for river conditions before you paddle!

Kayakers should take caution at higher water levels. When river levels reach above 3000 cfs, the drop at Missicot Falls and many of the holes below it present powerful hydraulics and have been known to "de-boat" paddlers into an unpleasant swim. Injuries occasionally occur!

River Level Information

River Gauge Location: USGS Gauge @ Niagara, WI
USGS Website: 04065106
Phone Contact for Info: Little Quinnesec Falls Dam (recording): 715.251.8230

Suggested River Levels:

The following river level information is geared towards advanced and expert whitewater kayakers. Intermediate level kayakers should avoid paddling Piers Gorge above 1400 cfs. Powerful hydraulics inside the gorge can be easy to underestimate.

Water levels rise rapidly during a dam release!
Scout the river before you paddle and know your limitations!