Pike (Kenosha Co.)

As of April, 2026, the stretch though Petrifying Springs is totally clear of wood. However, immediately as you leave the park (entering the Parkside University property), there is a collection of wood spanning the river. This is likely the first of many you would encounter within that property.

Even at only 150 cfs, by the time you can determine that there is no way over/under/around these snags, the speed of the current leading into a few of them is likely to cause all but the well-skilled paddlers some problem finding a safe place to get ashore.

Unless you are VERY confident in your boat handling skills (being able to catch an eddy, perhaps a micro-eddy, and exit the river) you should probably not attempt to boat this stretch. (I.E., either confine yourself to a very short trip, completely within 'Pets', or just put-in at the 'second crossing' on Hwy.A to run from here downstream.

If you are continuing through the Kenosha Country Club and to the listed take-out, be aware that just downstream of the golf course and after passing under the bike path, a MASSIVE collection of wood totally blocks the river at 13th Avenue, before you can get to CTH.A/Seventh Street.

As of January, 2008, there are a number of trees down across the river, most of which will require portaging by most boaters at most water levels. The worst area is from the last bridge in Petrifying Springs Park (near the ball diamond, and the artesian well, before the 90-degree right turn where you will have the golf course on your left) down to Hwy.A (where you exit UW-Parkside property, near where the fishermen and bikers park to access the river and the bike trails). Even at only 150 cfs, by the time you can determine that there is no way over/under/around the snag, the speed of the current leading into a few of them is likely to cause all but the well-skilled paddlers some problem finding a safe place to get ashore. Unless you are VERY confident in your boat handling skills (being able to catch an eddy, perhaps a micro-eddy, and exit the river) you should probably not attempt to boat this stretch. (I.E., either confine yourself to a very short trip, completely within 'Pets', or just put-in at this 'second crossing' on Hwy.A to run from here downstream.

There is a series of golf-cart bridges in Kenosha Country Club. At 3.3' on the USGS gauge, the first bridge is JUST high enough to pass under in a kayak without having to duck. (Roughly 33' of clearance.) Anyone in a canoe may have to duck or get off the seats and crouch into the bottom of the canoe at virtually any boatable flow.