The Paddling Trail in Wisconsin That’s Better Than Most Hikes

I love hiking in the Badger State as much as the next person, but sometimes, I want a different kind of outdoor adventure—or just want to use my legs a little less. That's when I grab a paddle, drop my boat in the water, and change my perspective. There's one paddling trail in Wisconsin that I think rivals any of the state's hikes for beauty, and it's one of my favorite places to kayak or canoe: the Namekagon River stretch of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Where This Paddling Trail Is and What Makes It Unique

This stretch of the Namekagon cuts across the northwestern corner of the state, starting up near Hayward and winding west to its confluence with the St. Croix River. It's part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, which means the National Park Service protects the shorelines from heavy development. What makes this stretch stand out is how remote it feels while still being accessible for beginners. The river's narrow with a good mix of shallow riffles and calm pools. At normal levels, the current is relatively mellow, so just about anyone should be able to float it without a problem.

You won't find rows of lake houses or noisy motorboats out here. Instead, it's just clear water and trees. The park service even maintains primitive, boat-in campsites along the banks if you want to turn your afternoon into an overnight trip. If you need a canoe, you'll find outfitters in Hayward and elsewhere along the route that can set you up with gear and a ride to the launch site. For parking, landing maps, and route planning, check the Namekagon River page on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway website.

Why It's Better Than a Traditional Hike

I don't deny that the Badger State is home to some of the best hiking trails in the U.S., but floating this river offers a totally different kind of adventure. Instead of carrying a pack up a root-and-rock-strewn trail, you toss your gear into a boat and let the water carry you.

A journey down the Namekagon is more of a glide, letting you lean back and enjoy the scenery. You just dip your paddle to steer and travel miles through wilderness without your knees or ankles taking a beating—and you can get as much or as little of a shoulder workout as you want. Pull over on the bank for a drink, snack, or a break whenever you feel like it. You just can't get that kind of experience on land—not even riding along one of the many scenic bike trails in Wisconsin.

What You'll See Along the Way

The deeper you go into this route, the more the outside world seems to disappear. You'll glide past dense pine forests and high, sandy cutbanks that drop right into the water. The Namekagon's known for being clear, so, in many places, you can see right down to the riverbed. Because the riverway is protected, wildlife is abundant. You may spot deer drinking at the water's edge, a black bear crashing through the underbrush, or—if you're lucky—catch a glimpse of an elusive gray wolf.

By the time you pull your kayak out at the end of the trip, you'll feel a sense of relaxation and accomplishment that's different from how you may feel at the end of a hike. I think a float down the Namekagon is a perfect option for anyone who wants to get outdoors, see the world from a different angle, and unplug for a while. If you're hoping to spend more time on the water this season, you'll definitely want to check out some of the other great kayaking spots in Wisconsin, as well.