Middle River Water Trail

One of Iowa’s newest water trails has recently been established on Middle River in Adair and Madison County.

The trail begins in eastern Adair County at their Middle River Forest County Park and meanders downstream, covering approximately 45 river miles, and currently ends at the historic Holliwell Covered Bridge located approximately 3½ miles southeast of Winterset. 

Middle River is a scenic stream that flows easterly through a mixture of lazy countryside and rolling pastures, forested hills, and limestone bluffs. It twists and turns through these landforms creating a moderately challenging paddle, especially at high or low water levels. Middle River provides an exciting paddle with occasional chutes and ledges that can be navigated with moderate effort.

Along with the natural beauty found along Middle River, there are also a few historic man-made features that add to the cultural experience of the water trail. Spanning the river are two of Madison County’s famous covered bridges - Roseman Covered Bridge and Holliwell Covered Bridge. Paddlers must also portage around the historic ford at Pammel Park which was constructed in the early 1900’s. And while making this portage, be sure to inspect Harmon Tunnel, originally constructed in 1858, and later enlarged to become the first vehicle tunnel on a state highway in Iowa.

Category: Parks & Recreation

Contact

Pammel Park Road
Winterset , IA 50273
515-462-3536