OUTDOORS @dja0309 Top 6 SWIM Paddle Guide SPOTS @kerrin.actually Tomorrow River Check out more paddling options: On a hot summer Walk down the This beach is a by Timothy Bauer (MilesPaddled.com) STEVENSPOINTAREA.COM ARKday, Sunset ARKgrassy rolling ARKperfect spot for Lake Park is the trail or fl ight a day trip. Picnic, perfect spot for Y Pof stairs to explore the AKE Pswimming in access the AN PNature Center, Portage County. rocky shoreline and hit the trails This trip explores the Tomorrow take-outs are at Highway T or Road). If you prefer to avoid the River (which changes names Highway DD. Please note: during This 63-acre lake of this popular in the county mile paddle on the 昀氀at waters of to the Waupaca River near the high water, submerged logs, is incredibly clear 96-acre lake. The JORDpark which also the Mill Pond (above the dam in county line), an endearingly downed trees, and swirling water and clean, and AKE EMILbeautiful, clear offers camping. Amherst), take out at the Cate narrow, intimate stream with can cause problems and should the large beach L water is perfect Better yet – make a Park boat launch. crystal clear water, nice current, SUNSET Lis perfect for for swimming as well weekend of it, and require skilled navigation. During Arguably, the best section of the boulders to dodge, and a sense picnics and building as fi shing. reserve one of the low water, rocks and shallows river is upstream of the Amherst of solitude. The Tomorrow is a sandcastles. water sites. will be present and can frustrate dam – from County Q to Cate must-paddle tucked away in the @breannayenter paddlers. Be on the look-out for Skill Level: Intermediate Park, for a 5.5-mile trip that gentle hills of central Wisconsin. occasional barbed and electrical If you prefer Swim in the Don’t miss this Class Di昀케culty: Quietwater showcases its best features with TRIP DESCRIPTION: The most wires around Highway T and swimming with Wisconsin River gem, tucked in FIND MORE SWIMMING SPOTS: the fewest nuisances. It makes Highway DD. ARK ARK with ri昀툀es and some Class I popular starting point to begin a lifeguards and from Bukolt Stevens Point’s Collins County Park, Lake DuBay, Lake Pacawa, for a delightful time outdoors rapids trip on the Tomorrow-Waupaca is TIME OF YEAR TO PADDLE: temperature T PPark. Tucked oldest park. Wolf Lake, and Hartman Creek. that’s neither too short nor too along the banks of the beautiful Water levels are usually reliable PS POOLcontrolled water, along the shore The beach, Gradient: 2.7’ per mile taxing. That said, the section Rising Star mill in Nelsonville, from County Q to downtown don’t skip the OL(and the Green worth the walk LOOKING TO BRING FIDO ALONG? Put-In/Take-Out: County Q in of river with the most stunning where art exhibits and bluegrass Amherst, but can run low from OPCopps Pool. Here Circle Trail), you’ll from the parking boulders, lively current, and C ERSON P Nelsonville, below the dam in concerts are held. Begin here Amherst to Cobbtown Road. you can ride the BUKfi nd the WPA-era V area, is perfect Check out the dog-friendly beach at Mead Park lovely rolling hills is in between I Amherst, Buchholz Rd., and you’ll be greeted with views Paddlers should be cautious of 162-foot slide, jump stone bathhouse in for families on the Wisconsin River! Buchholz Road and County DD. County DD, or Cobbtown Rd. of cedar-lined woods and open strong currents and high water off the diving boards, front of stone steps with young children Watch for 1-2’ ledges below the meadows as the narrow river levels after rainstorms. or play in the zero and sand leading with shallow water Time Needed: 3-6 hours bridges at Keener Road and quietly meanders here and there. depth wading down to the perfect for exploring. Miles Paddled: 4-16 miles WILDLIFE: Great blue herons, County DD. Be sure to follow the “portage” pool – perfect for swimming area. INSIDER TIP: The sandhill cranes, songbirds, NOT A PADDLER? OPT FOR A Read more about the trip and signs near the dam four miles young children. clear, cola colored dragon昀氀ies, trout, deer, beavers, TUBE! The Tomorrow River is INSIDER TIP: Take plan your own with the Stevens downstream in the Village of mink, and muskrats. Point Area Paddle Guide by also perfect for a gentle tube INSIDER TIP: Be sure a walk along one water of the Plover Amherst. to check the pool’s of the new fi shing River gets its hue MilesPaddled.com. ALTERNATIVE TRIPS: Paddlers ride. The best tubing routes skip Once you reach Amherst, stop the pond. Put in at Otto Road and hours ahead of time, piers installed in the from tree roots it have two options to extend for a stroll and lunch in its takeout at County Rd DD for a as the swimming nearby lagoons. runs over. the trip noted above and begin charming downtown or venture memorable ride. season is short. upstream to make a longer to the popular Central Waters outing on the water: at Highway Brewing Company. Continue on 161 (aka Loberg Road) or County the Tomorrow River, suggested Highway Q (aka Rolling Hills 36 Stevens Point Area O昀케cial Visitors Guide | 2024 Stevens Point Area O昀케cial Visitors Guide | 2024 37