Class II Big Cedar Creek, IA

Big Cedar Creek is the Skunk River’s second largest tributary. This remote stream offers paddlers adventure “far from the madding crowd.” Few homes, highways, and towns interfere with the experience of tree-lined banks and limestone outcroppings. Averaging 60 feet wide, this creek is more like a small river. Its watershed is on a scale similar to the North Fork Maquoketa River.

 

Though the river has a lot to offer, the water can become muddy due to runoff after heavy rains. This creek is for the adventurous looking for a challenge. While there are no dams on this stretch, steep banks and potential creek wide log jams require skills and abilities of experienced paddlers. (Iowa DNR)