The Wisconsin River has earned a well-deserved name as “The Hardest Working River in the World”, with 25 dams located on it, more than any river in the world. The portages around the dam’s add a sense of excitement to a paddle trip as well as the feeling of accomplishment when one has finished their journey on what the Ojibwa called the “Meskousing”.

When J.D. Norwood’s “Expedition of Discovery” came pass this point in 1847, two sets of rapids existed, later named Black Hawk and White Horse. The original dam was constructed in 1878 on this site was built as a flood dam, used temporarily to raise the water level of the river to float logs downstream to sawmills in Tomahawk. The present dam and powerhouse owned by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS) was constructed in 1903. Our Journey begins…

Hat Rapids Dam to Kings Dam

Enjoy a scenic paddle from Hat Rapids Dam to Kings Dam along the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway. This 16-mile trail segment offers a moderate difficulty level, captivating you with rapids, rock outcroppings, and primeval forests. While you’re making your way down the Wisconsin River, your internet will be good through the whole segment.

The Wisconsin River has earned a well-deserved name as “The Hardest Working River in the World”, with 25 dams located on it, more than any river in the world. The portages around the dam’s add a sense of excitement to a paddle trip as well as the feeling of accomplishment when one has finished their journey on what the Ojibwa called the “Meskousing”.

When J.D. Norwood’s “Expedition of Discovery” came pass this point in 1847, two sets of rapids existed, later named Black Hawk and White Horse. The original dam was constructed in 1878 on this site was built as a flood dam, used temporarily to raise the water level of the river to float logs downstream to sawmills in Tomahawk. The present dam and powerhouse owned by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS) was constructed in 1903. Our Journey begins…

The put-in is located below the historic Hat Rapids Dam that was built in 1903 on the left bank. Ample parking exists if you care to leave your car for an all-day paddle.

At Mile Marker 93, just a short distance down river from the Hat Rapids put-in one encounters Camp 10, a 1930’s CCC camp and ski hill with 10-runs used by locals in their pursuit of winter enjoyment on the slopes.

Around Mile Marker 94 the river sounds change from tranquil and serene to bubbling and gurgling as if the river has suddenly turned mad. As the paddler approaches Whirlpool Rapids, a Class I to III rapids based on water conditions. The rapids are short but challenging split by two islands and better traversed along the right bank where the river is covered by a rock garden.

A bit downstream from Mile Marker 96, one encounters Menard Island State Resource Area, a 1700-acre wilderness that is named after Father Rene Menard, the first Jesuit missionary in Wisconsin who disappeared a bit further downstream at one of the many portages on the river in 1661.

This state natural area blankets both sides of the river for over 4.5 miles giving the paddler a sense of what the “Great Pinery “of the north must have felt like prior to the coming of the white man. Back to a bygone era when the forest was still a primeval world of Aspen, Maples, Red Pine, Hemlock, Oak, and the Eastern White Pine. Today, the landscape is little changed with Bald Eagles, River Otters, Wild Turkey and White-Tailed Deer gracing its banks and playing amongst it wooded shores and Islands. Occasionally, one might encounter a black bear lumbering along the banks looking for their dinner.

At Mile Marker 102.5 the trail enters 1,438-acre Lake Alice and river traffic picks up with powerboats and pontoons ending its journey at Kings Dam, Mile Marker 106.5.

Please review these important safety reminders before getting on the water.

Please review these important safety reminders before getting on the water.

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