Canoeing the Black River,
Wisconsin
Eighteen miles north of Neillsville,
where the Popple River joins the Black
River, the previously placid Black
becomes a whitewater river. Except
for the impoundment of Lake Arbutus
the next 38 river miles are relatively
high in gradient and filled with boulders.
Loaded with riffles and Class I-II
rapids, this part of the river offers
excellent springtime paddling for
experienced whitewater boaters, but
is unpaddleable when the water is
low. Most of the surroundings are
undeveloped, and rugged rock formations
frequently add to the beauty of the
wooded setting. Except during periods
of higher water, when the river is
quite dangerous, the water is clear
and has a dark cast from iron, tannins,
and other organic matter-thus the
name Black.
The book below will give you detailed
info on canoeing over 50 miles of
the river with detailed descriptions
of the area, maps showing rapids,
portages, nearby roads, take outs,
etc.
