Lower Wisconsin State Riverway
(LWSR3) Muscoda to Woodman, Wisconsin Trail Guide

Trail Facts

Synopsis

Trail Review

In the initial stretch, high steep banks rise above the river along the north shore, with open fields and farms occasionally visible through the trees. A lush bottomland forest canopies dense undergrowth along the south shore with scenic bluffs visible in the distance.

Columbe Island, one of the largest in this segment, forks the river near the town of Blue River. Check out the long sandy beaches down the narrow left fork.

There seems to be more islands than sandbars as you paddle further downriver. Many of the larger islands have names such as: Big Island, Little, Patterson, Trumbull, Feather and Allen. These islands must have some stories to tell from the logging era!

As the river continues west from Blue River, tall bluffs and steep-sloped hills once again dominate the surrounding landscape. Highway 60 runs along the north bank in this stretch, but does little to mar the experience. Near Boscobel, the Highway 61 bridge may be the most scenic bridge of the entire Lower Wisconsin Riverway.

Another large island, named Allen Island, forks the river a little over a mile past the Highway 61 bridge. If you take the main channel down the left fork you will come upon a much smaller channel on river right that splits the island. Try paddling down this if you can! Be mindful of strainers! A large and inviting sandbar often forms in the lee of Allen island. However, there are steep drop offs and strong currents so be careful if you decide to land here and wade in the river.

A few homes sit on the steep right bank as you pass Boydtown. A narrow channel on river left leads up to Woodman Lake where you will often find local fisherman casting their lines from the south bank.

The river is packed with islands in the short stretch from Boydtown to Woodman Boat Landing. One island is Gillis Island, a long, narrow strip which lies under a lush canopy of dense forest. The Wisconsin Western Railroad Bridge crosses the river, over the island.

Downriver, Woodman Boat landing is located a short distance up the Little Green River which flows through a small coulee between tall scenic bluffs. Look up and you may see eagles soaring overhead.

Though not nearly as traveled as the two previous, this may be the most scenic of the four segments on the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway!

Camping

Sandbars continue to be common during low to moderate flows providing numerous, fun opportunities for camping.

Governor Dodge State Park is just 27 miles driving distance southeast of the Muscoda boat landings. The park offers: forty miles of hiking trails; eight miles of mountain bike trails; twenty-two miles of horse trails; eight picnic areas; and a pair of lakes with swimming beaches, and boat launches for canoeing and kayaking. There are two family campgrounds at Governor Dodge; Cox Hollow and Twin Valley, with a total of 269 campsites. Other types of camping include: six backpack sites; eight group sites (15 - 40 people per site); and eleven horse campsites.

The beautiful Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area is just a few miles west of Governor Dodge State Park. The park features a beautiful lake surrounded by rolling hills. Activities and amenities include: camping, hiking, boating and fishing. This is an excellent campground for RV camping. There are also plenty of shaded sites for tent camping, and several lakeside cabins. There are a total of 150 campsites. 135 are reservable; call 608.623.2707 to reserve a site, or visit the website and fill out the online reservation form.

Season

The river is usually navigable throughout spring, summer, and fall. It can be scrappy in places during periods of little rainfall in summer and fall. Paddlers should avoid the river in early spring, or whenever water levels are especially high.

River Level Information

River Gauge Location: State Hwy 80 Bridge at Muscoda
USGS Website: USGS Gauge @ Muscoda, WI
Phone Contact for River Info: Contact local shuttle service / livery (see Local Business Directory page).

Always check the local weather forecast before paddling on the LWSR. Also, even if the local forecast calls for sunny conditions, talk to a local outfitter about possible river surges before embarking on an overnight trip! Although it may be sunny in the LWSR, any kind of heavy rainfall upriver can result in an unexpected rise in river levels. Although this set of conditions doesn't happen very often, it occasionally does, and is something to be aware of.

Suggested River Levels