Paddling the Rock River and Turtle Creek
The Rock River and Turtle Creek in the greater Beloit area offer some wonderful paddling opportunities. The Confluence is located right in the center of the Rock River Trail, a nationally recognized trail initiative. You’ll enjoy spotting eagles, swans, white pelicans, herons, beaver, various species of ducks and other waterfowl. In addition, you’ll see the occasional deer, fox and coyote along the banks.
Beloit Area Water Trails MapThe Rock River
A great deal of the Rock River after the confluence is very wooded and scenic. You can paddle down river until Rockford, but you will need to portage at the Rockton Dam, so look at the Water Trail map link above for details. Check Rock River water levels.
Turtle Creek
Turtle Creek winds it’s way for over 13 miles from the Tiffany Bridge in Shopiere, Wisconsin to the Confluence in South Beloit, Illinois. Depending on water levels, this trip can take about 4 hours. There are other put-ins/take-outs for shorter trips. See the map for details. This paddle is very scenic and wooded. You will need to be aware of downed trees that may required a short portage. Check Turtle Creek water levels
The Confluence offers a good takeout point for Turtle Creek. Depending on water levels, you can also launch into the Rock River near the confluence.
The Rock River Trail
The Confluence is located approximately at the halfway point on the Rock River Trail. We hope someday to provide rustic campsites at the Confluence for Rock River Trail paddlers to enjoy. You can paddle the Rock River Water Trail along the 320-mile river course from the headwaters in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, to the Mississippi River at Rock Island, Illinois. The Rock River Trail is a “National Water Trail” and “Scenic and Historic Route”. For more information about the Rock River Trail and the dams on the Rock River visit their website.
For details about kayaking or canoeing in the Stateline area , please see this map of the water trails in the Beloit & South Beloit area.
