The Quad Cities Water Trails

Home , Credit Island, Duck Creek (Quad Cities), Quad Cities, Sunderbruch Park

Thanks also to Saukenuk Paddlers for information and assistance to create this brochure brochure this create to assistance and information for Paddlers Saukenuk to also Thanks

Source river maps courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District Island Rock Engineers, of Corps Army U.S. courtesy maps river Source Additional river trail information online at: www.riveraction.org at: online information trail river Additional Trips for Beginners

• Sylvan Slough – Sylvan Slough is a Welcome wonderful backwater of the Mississippi River. The urban environment gives way to natural surroundings including lily pads and numerous water fowl. The current is slow and allows for a to the Quad Cities relaxing round-trip paddle. Put-in: Sylvan Slough Docks (12) Take-out: Same; Distance – 2 miles; Paddle time – about 1.5 hours. Water Trails • Middle Rock River Trail – This area of water is a safe place to practice your canoe or kayak paddling. The scenery is generally urban with many cabins along both sides of the river. Photo courtesy Saukenuk Paddlers Photo courtesy Saukenuk Paddlers Pleasure boaters and jet-skiers like to use the xperience the Mississippi River as it was first The main types of migratory birds include: Black, • Cold water – Mississippi waters are the first to cool • All vessels are required to hold a line (hanging from Rock River but traffic is low during the week. discovered, while paddling! Wood, Mallard, Teal, Widgeon, Pintail and Ring-necked off and last to warm up the lock wall) or tie off on the side of a vessel, holding Put-in: Greenvalley Public Access (21) Take- E out: Harold’s Landing (20); Distance – 2.5 miles; The Quad Cities area is rich with water. Paddling ducks, Canada Geese, swans, American White Pelicans • River traffic – Stay out of the main channel on to the line Paddle time – about 1 hour. conditions on the Mississippi and Rock Rivers are perfect and many types of songbirds. We are also home to one (designated by green and red buoys) and be aware of • One short signal blast designates that lockage is for multi-day excursions with camping access, afternoon of the most magnificent birds in the world, the great traffic when crossing the river complete, and you may exit the lock urban getaways, and getting in touch with nature for all bald eagle. The eagles are very plentiful along the shores • Dams – Stay well clear of dams and utilize designated levels of paddlers. of the upper Mississippi. portage areas Common Sense Paddling Safety Tips Trips for Intermediates The 45 miles of Quad Cities Water Trails also ties The river also provides a home to many different fish • Wear your life jacket • Upper Mississippi River Trail – Casual directly into 73 miles of recreational trails for exceptional and other types of animals. Over 100 different species of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Navigation Charts are online • Be prepared to swim upstream trip along the shoreline of the cycling and hiking. freshwater fish can be found in the Mississippi including: at: http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/NIC2/mrcharts.cfm

• Never boat alone Mississippi River has moderate current. The Mississippi River is arguably the most important catfish, walleye, bass, northern, sunfish, and crappie.

• If you collide with an obstruction, lean toward it Exceptional views of the river to Princeton waterway in the United States. Throughout its history, The many different types of fish found in the great river Hunting Seasons • File a float plan with a relative or friend Beach where paddlers can stop for a picnic and whether for Native Americans, explorers, or modern allow for some of the best fishing in the entire world. The Water trail users need to be aware of their surroundings for swim. Rentals available at Princeton Outdoor • Paddle within your experience and fitness levels

commerce, the Mississippi has always been a major Mississippi River can be fished year round, which allows not only barge traffic, but hunting seasons as well. Duck Adventures. Put-in: Princeton Boat Ramp (1) • Confine your first outings to calm backwater areas MILES navigation route through the center of North America. one to enjoy the sport and all of the magnificence that blinds, structures covered with vegetation cuttings and Take-out: Same; Distance – 3 miles; Paddle time

It is 2,320 miles long and has the third largest each season in the upper valley has to offer. located in the river, are used for waterfowl hunting. Some • Consider taking a paddling safety course – about 2 hours. • Be familiar with capsize recovery techniques MILES

catchment basin in the world collecting water from Canoe or kayak fishing can be a great way to catch temporary blinds may be used on a daily basis. Refer to state • Middle Mississippi River Trail – Travel

MILES • Always check weather forecasts and river conditions 165

1.25 million square miles. dinner or a fun recreational activity. Iowa or Illinois fishing regulations for additional information. the Iowa shoreline from Lock and Dam 14 Boat

before setting out MILES The 285-mile long Rock River flows through southern licenses can be used by hook-and-line anglers on the Ramp to the Eagles Landing Boat Ramp. This 206

Wisconsin and northern Illinois before emptying into the Mississippi River. For more info go to the Iowa or Illinois Bike Trails • Paddle in groups whenever possible and know the paddle offers great views of the Iowa and Illinois MILES experience levels of those in the group Mississippi River in Rock Island. The Rock is a long-time Department of Natural Resources web sites. There are 65 miles of scenic trails along the Mississippi shorelines. Stop at Pigeon Creek Park for a nice source of paddle recreation, pleasure boating, and fishing. River in the Quad Cities region and many more along hike and picnic. Put-in: Lock & Dam 14 Boat Adhere to ‘Leave No Trace’ Pledge Ramp (6) Take-out: Eagles Landing (8); Distance It supports hundreds of species of wildlife vital to the River Traffic the Rock River. Trails can be accessed from most of the – 2.5 miles; Paddle time – about 1 hour. Midwestern ecosystem. At first sighting, a tow heading in your direction is usually water trail launch sites. Bike the trails back upstream in • Plan ahead and prepare As the mighty Mississippi River carves its way toward two or three miles away. At that distance, you still have 20 lieu of driving separate pick-up vehicles or for solo paddle • Dispose of waste properly • Lower Rock River Trail – Paddle a short the Gulf of Mexico, it carries with it a sense of great to 30 minutes to relocate to a more comfortable location excursions. Trail maps available at www.riveraction.org. • Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 distance down the Mississippi to the Rock adventure, mystique and respect. Paddling the Mississippi on the river. Being aware of traffic on the river is always For a real adventure, check out the off-road trails inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and River. The current up the Rock is generally low and Rock Rivers can be a challenging, rewarding and important, but it should never prevent you from safely on Sylvan Island in Moline and Sunderbruch Park in trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. to moderate if the shoreline route is taken. awesome experience. It demands your full attention at all Circumnavigate Turkey Island to see a wide Quad Cities Water Trails paddling the Mississippi. Always steer clear of the main Davenport. These rugged single-track mountain bike trails • Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. times. Watching a towboat with a tow of barges navigate variety of wildlife in this remote area. Put-in: channel and industrial areas. offer a fantastic workout and outdoor fun. • Carry-in, carry-out the river is an exciting experience, especially from the seat Sunset Park (15) Take-out: Same; Distance – 5 • Respect wildlife of a kayak or canoe. miles; Paddle time – 3 to 4 hours. Up and Downstream Connections ‘Taming of the Slough’ • Be considerate of other visitors You’re sure to treasure the time you spend on the Quad Paddlers who want an extended trip should look into the • For more information on “leave no trace”, go to Cities Water Trails. River Action hosts the Taming of the Slough Adventure Race Wapsipinicon River Trail, which meets the Mississippi River each September, consisting of a paddle section (2 miles), www.lnt.org Trips for Advanced Driving Directions three miles north of Princeton, IA, and Odessa Water Trail, 30 mountain biking (8 miles), and run/off-road hill climb (2 miles south of Buffalo, IA on the Mississippi. Careful planning miles). The race is geared for all levels of participation. Learn to Paddle • Upper Mississippi River Trail – (River For detailed maps of any of the launch sites go to: http:// is needed when traveling downstream of the Quad Cities as crossing required - strong current possible) Compete as an individual, two-person team, or three-person A variety of paddling classes are available year-round for www.maps.google.com. Enter the GPS coordinates of the paddlers will encounter Lock & Dam 16 at Muscatine, IA. Travel the Iowa shoreline from LeClaire relay. More info is available at www.riveraction.org. all abilities. Classes are taught by licensed instructors and launch area in the search bar separated by a comma [i.e. briefly before crossing to Illinois to portage at for (7) Fisherman’s Corner type in “41.569, -90.396”] and Locking Rules for Advanced Paddlers address water safety, technique and skills. For a full listing Fisherman’s Corner (P1). Finish at the Eagles hit enter. Google Maps will center on the launch site (green Water Safety go to: www.riveraction.org. Landing Boat Ramp in Iowa or stick to the arrow) so you can print a map or “Get Directions.” • There is no fee for locking through Illinois shoreline until Empire Park. This paddle Safety is critical when paddling the Mississippi or Rock Rivers. • Stay out of posted/restricted areas Kayak/Canoe Rental offers great views of the Iowa and Illinois valley Be sure to monitor water conditions before starting your River Wildlife • Stay in your boat when locking through particularly during the fall with the changing color trip. Go to www.riverguages.com and click on “Rock Island Kayaks or canoes can be rented from Princeton • Inform lockmaster that you want to lock through by Outdoor Adventures, Princeton, IA (online at: www. of tree foliage. Put-in: LeClaire Boat Ramp (4) The Mississippi and Rock Rivers support over 400 District” for current conditions at Locks & Dams 14 and 15. Take-out: Eagles Landing (8); Distance – 6 miles; pulling the small boat signal chain located at the end princetonoutdooradventures.com, or call: 563-289-5445) different species of wildlife. The river ecosystem Be aware of: Paddle time – about 3 hours. features approximately 40 percent of North America’s • High water and floods – High water travels swiftly of the wall or call lock on marine radio (Channel 14) and Fluid Adventures, Moline, IL (online at: www.fluid- migratory waterfowl and about 20 percent of the • Enter the lock when the gates are fully open and you adventures.com, or call: 563-508-2040). • Middle Mississippi River Trail – (River and carries much debris crossing required - strong current possible) nation’s duck population. receive the green signal light to enter Urban paddling at its best…put in at Eagles Landing and cross to follow Campbell’s Island to the Illinois shoreline. Travel downstream along the Ben Butterworth Parkway to Sylvan Slough. Great mix of natural and urban landscapes. Put-in: Eagles Landing (8) Take- . o C g n hi out: Sylvan Slough (12); Distance – 5 miles; lis ub P ch at Paddle time – about 3 hours. isp Pho e D to b olin y St of M ephanie ourtesy • Lower Mississippi River Trail – (River Makosky c crossing required - strong current possible) Check out the great views of the Mississippi on this trip. After putting in at Credit Island, you’ll need to choose a safe crossing to the Illinois shoreline. Enjoy the beautiful backwaters of the Andalusia Slough. Continue the trip to Loud Thunder Campground for an extended paddle. Put-in: Credit Island (16) Take-out: Andalusia (17); Photo by Stephanie Makosky courtesy of Moline Dispatch Publishing Co. Photo courtesy Saukenuk Paddlers Distance – 7 miles; Paddle time – 3 to 4 hours. Quad Cities, Illinois and Iowa WAPSI RIVER TRAIL

PRINCETON PUBLIC USE AREA I IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS 67 SC OT General Emergency: 9-1-1 Rock Island County Sheriff (Illinois): 309-558-3413 1 CORDOVA QUAD CITIES WATER TRAILS Lost Grove Road PUBLIC BOAT PRINCETON BEACH RAMP

Illinois State Police (East Moline): 309-752-4915 MARINA 1 1

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PUBLIC ACCESS POINTS In addition to the access points listed here, there are 7 other boat launches shown on the large map below which can be used by paddlers. Scott County Sheriff (Iowa): 563-326-8625 BOAT RAMP S Cordova 2 157th Ave. N Bettendorf1 Iowa State Police (Stockton): 563-284-9501 2 Latitude Longitude Parking Water Restrooms Camping Restaurants Hotels/B&B’s LINDSAY PARK t h Princeton

S 84 BOAT HARBOR t . 74 U.S. Coast Guard (Rock Island): 309-782-0627 1 Princeton Boat Ramp 41.679 -90.338 X X X BETTENDORF PUBLIC BOAT RAMP Lock & Dam 14 Lockmaster: 563-332-0907

2 Cordova Public Access 41.683 -90.318 X X X X M

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3 Port Byron Boat Ramp 41.607 -90.337 X X X X e

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S BOAT RAMP t 4 LeClaire Boat Ramp 41.599 -90.343 X X X X X . ARSENAL ISLAND MUNICIPAL D4 14 venue CENTENNIAL BRIDGE Rodman A 5 Rapids City - Shuler’s Shady Grove 41.583 -90.343 X X X BOAT RAMP LOCK & DAM

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D 6 Lock & Dam 14 Boat Ramp 41.573 -90.407 X X I

R D3 P2 B WAPSI RIVER T SYLVAN 92 7 Fisherman’s Corner 41.569 -90.396 X X X X N E ISLAND M TRAIL N S Y R L V A N S L O U G H 8 Bettendorf - Eagles Landing Boat Ramp 41.549 -90.441 X E D2 92 V

O 92 74 PRINCETON G 12 PUBLIC USE AREA 9 East Moline - Empire Park Boat Ramp 41.544 -90.421 X X X 13 67

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. 11 Bettendorf - Leach Park Boat Ramp 41.523 -90.516 X X X X X 67 12 Moline - Sylvan Slough Docks 41.509 -90.519 X X X X Rock Island Moline CORDOVA 13 Rock Island - Schweibert Park Docks 41.513 -90.575 X X X X Lost Grove Road 1 PUBLIC BOAT RAMP

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14 Davenport - Centennial Park Boat Ramp 41.516 -90.592 X X X d MARINA 1

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15 Rock Island - Sunset Park Boat Ramp 41.494 -90.604 X X X PRINCETON PUBLIC .

BOAT RAMP S 16 Davenport - Credit Island Boat Ramp 41.501 -90.608 X X X venue 2 157th Ave. N 17 Andalusia Marina 41.449 -90.721 X X X 92 Princeton 18 Buffalo Beach 41.455 -90.723 X X X X 84 19 Buffalo Shores Campground 41.453 -90.742 X X X X

PORT BYRON MUNICIPAL 20 Moline - Harold’s Landing 41.462 -90.501 X X BOAT RAMP 21 Moline - Greenvalley Park Public Access 41.457 -90.457 X 3 LECLAIRE PUBLIC 22 Colona Boat Ramp 41.471 -90.391 X X X CAPTAIN’S QUA BOAT RAMP 80 DRI-STAK MA Port Byron 4 67 LeClaire

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I C s e (Industrial activity) l L 67 Boat Launch Caution P1 Fisherman’s Corner Portage 41.568 -90.395 a n m Da d 495 GREEN GABLES al SCHULERS SHADY SMITH’S er MARINA at GROVE P2 Sylvan Island Portage 41.515 -90.538 L ISLAND L n 6 E C R A Davenport . I N 5 A LOCK & DAM 14 LOCK & DAM L A L C 84 Carry Down Access (Stay clear) e Hazardous P3 Steel Dam Portage 41.460 -90.547 CREDIT ISLAND BOAT RAMP NO. 14 L :40;/»: 495 P4 Hennepin Canal Portage 41.456 -90.561 BOAT RAMP 6 0:3(5+ Rapids City 67 LOCK & DAM D1 IOWA DNR RAMP NO. 14 Marina River Channel D1 Lock & Dam 14 41.573 -90.398 Rock P1 67 FISHERMAN’S CORNER D1 P1 D2 MidAmerican Energy Hyro-Dam 41.511 -90.531 BUESE 16 BOAT RAMP CREDIT NORTH REC AREA FISHERMAN’S CORNER Island NORTH REC AREA 80 Bicycle Rental Navigation Channel ISLAND 7 7 D3 Arsenal Island Hydro-Dam 41.515 -90.539 67 FISHERMAN’S CORNER FISHERMAN’S CORNER (Barge traffic) D4 SOUTH REC AREA Lock & Dam 15 41.519 -90.568 15 SOUTH REC AREA 84 84 :7,5*,9 Canoe/Kayak Rental P1 Portage D5 Sear’s Dam 41.461 -90.578 480 18th Avenue 0:3(5+ ENCER D6 ROCK LAND Steel Dam 41.461 -90.549 ISLAND 495 River Mile Marker D6 Dam BOAT 92 RAMP

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150 WARNING: Do not kayak or canoe during flooding or high water. Be sure to check river levels and river conditions before embarking on any canoe/kayak trips, even those marked as beginner routes. Be aware that even moderate wind conditions can create significant waves in open areas and make canoeing/kayaking much more difficult and hazardous.