A whole new world awaits when you canoe or kayak the Fox River Water Trail in western Racine County.
You'll be able to spot a wide variety of birds and animals, including bald eagles, trumpeter and mute swans, blue heron, ducks (mallards, wood ducks, teal), sandhill cranes and many more. Look carefully along the riverbanks for beaver, muskrat, deer, otter, red fox, coyote and others.
Using the trail
The Fox River Water Trail runs 14 miles from a put-in at the Tichigan Conservation Area to a take-out at Burlington's Bushnell Park. The trail includes portages around dams at the Villages of Waterford and Rochester.
Allow about 7 to 9 hours for the full trip, depending on water levels. This easy-to-paddle water trail passes through a lake, county parks and wildlife areas. Scenery includes farmland, wetlands and woods.
Use of the Fox River Water Trail is free.
New launch sites
Recent launch sites have been established behind Waterford Village Hall,123 N. Water St., and at Case Eagle Park , 310 S. Rochester St. Both sites are below the dams.
Equipment and services
Canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards (SUPs) may be rented from Fox River Paddle Sports located at the Waterford launch site. Phone 262-332-3777 or email info@foxriverpaddlesports.com
If you're new to kayaking or canoeing, instructional classes and guided day-trips are available through SherriKayaksOutdoorPrograms.
Planning your visit
Food and other supplies are available (within walking distance) in the Waterford, Rochester and Burlington business districts. You're welcome to make a day of it — paddle in the morning or afternoon and finish with lunch or dinner at a local restaurant.
Combine your river trip with cycling! The Fox River Water Trail offers easy access to the Seven Waters and White River bicycle trails.
Learn more
Explore the communities along the Fox via these local websites: Village of Waterford, Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce, Village of Rochester, City of Burlington, Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce.
