Class II North Fork Maquoketa River, IA

The North Fork of the Maquoketa River is a highly scenic river that can usually be paddled during wet months. Infrequent access may be one of its best-selling points for an expedition, as a canoe trip allows adventurous paddlers a chance to encounter some of Iowa’s most remote areas, especially from Cascade to Ozark Bridge. The areas from Dyersville to Cascade to approximately mile 22 offer numerous limestone bluffs and outcroppings. A general lack of holding water makes fishing a challenge. Seasonally, it contains big river fish as far upstream as the dam in Cascade. (Iowa DNR)