Turtle Creek
B) Hwy.140 to Shopiere (PnP, 1.3, or 4.7 miles)
| Difficulty | I |
| Length | 5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 3 fpm |
| Gauge | Turtle Creek at Carvers Rock Road Near Clinton, Wi |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 210 cfslow runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 3, 2025 |
River Description
Quick Facts:
Location: Hwy.140 to Shopiere (Approximately 6 miles NW from Beloit, WI).
Character: Rural scenery (fields, trees), an impressive scenic railroad trestle, mudflat and gravel shoals.
Shuttle Length: 1.3 miles or 4.9 miles. For whitewater enthusiasts, mostly recommended as (possible) park-and-play at railroad ledge near Smith Road.
General Overview
Removal of the Shopiere Dam (summer, 2000) had revealed a short bedrock ledge. Well, bedrock is probably the wrong term -- the bottom here is mud and clay. Unfortunately, the 'mud ledge' has now completely eroded away. However, additional scouting has found other potential playspots in this watershed. (See 'River Features' below.)
A very enjoyable, moderately scenic 4.7 mile float trip (flatwater paddle) starts from parking at a wayside at Hwy.140, 2.6 miles north of the town of Clinton, WI, and ends in a pretty little park (Sweet-Allyn County Park at Belding/Butterfly Road just north of Shopiere) where gravel shoals create a few minor riffs and rips leading downstream to the mown grassy area of the park for your take-out. I have not floated this reach, but I have heard that there may be at least one area where a rocky ledge and/or rock rubble forms a bit of pourover/wave (at some flows) which may allow for minor surfs. This is right at the very scenic (multiple high-arching stonework) railroad bridge which is about a mile upstream of Sweet-Allyn County Park, and may be accessed from nearby Smith Road for a park-and-play, or a run of just 1.3 miles with the best of the gradient (such as it is . . . just riffles and rips).
River Features
Smith Road Bridge
Smith Road crosses Turtle Creek on an old one-lane iron bridge. This location can serve as put-in for a short (1.3 mile) scenic run with the minor ledge/wave for play near the high stonework trestle railroad bridge. Or ... just park here, paddle down, play (for whatever it offers), and carry back up.
Take Out: Sweet-Allyn Park
A fine little park on Butterfly Road in the unincorporated community of Shopiere provides access for take-out. Exit the river at a marker, or enjoy some final swiftwater down to the bridge, then carry back up to your vehicle.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportJust did a little 'recon' mission on this run to get a few photos.