ITINERARY

Day 1: Leave the Quad Cities by 2 pm to arrive around 5-6 pm at Chimney Rock Campground and Livery.

First Night we will tent camp at Chimney Rock Campground and Livery.

Day 2: The Chimney Rock Livery will transport us and our rented kayaks to the Kendalville Access the morning of day 2 . We will kayak from Kendalville Ramp Access to our campsite at Chimney Rock Campground and Livery at Mile 77.9  (14.5 miles).  It should take us around 5-8 hours.

The natural beauty and geologic majesty of this part of the river make it a favorite for many. The river is flanked by wooded bluffs with native white pine, red cedar, maple, cottonwood, and a variety of hardwoods including oak, walnut, and cherry. If you are quiet, you may encounter wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, western painted turtles, great horned owls, northern leopard frogs, smallmouth and rock bass, walleye, and trout. The float takes paddlers through lazy S-turns that meander back and forth across the narrow valley, past towering limestone bluffs, pillars, and palisades including Plymouth Rock, Chimney Rock, and the famous Bluffton Palisades.

Second Night we will tent camp again here at Chimney Rock.

Day 3: Today we pack up and travel to Decorah, IA and bicycle the Trout Run Trail 11.1 miles. We will also be visiting the “Seed Saver Exchange” farm and touring their acreage. Then we load up the bikes and travel to Calmar, and ride our bicycles up to Cresco and back, 40 miles. Total miles 51.1 miles.

Trout Run Trail Description: The "Trout Run Trail” runs next to the Decorah Trout Hatchery--the second largest trout hatchery in Iowa.  The 11-mile loop crosses trout streams five times.  The trail follows the Upper Iowa River for its first two miles.  The Upper Iowa River is noted for kayaking, canoeing, tubing and--yes--trout fishing. 

As you travel the Trout Run Trail, you might have to remind yourself you're right next to the city of Decorah because of the secluded route the trail takes.  One of the highlights of the Trout Run Trail is the Iowa DNR Trout Hatchery at Siewer Springs. While you're on the trail look up! You'll see the famous Decorah Eagle's nest. Mom, Dad and eaglets live in this six-foot-wide nest weighing more than 750 pounds. 

The Trout Run Trail is full of surprises!  Three beautiful art pieces are located along the trail--on Dug Road, just south of Highway 9 and at the Trout Hatchery. While much of the trail is flat, there are sharp switchbacks (tight curves along the trail) that weave you back and forth along beautiful Iowa countryside.

Seed Savers Exchange Visit:

Prairie Farmers Trail and Fat T’s Cafe for lunch in Cresco:

Third Night: After we have had enough of riding our bikes, we will all travel to near Fayette, IA to set up camp at Volga River State Recreation Area.

Day 4: We Hike the trails of Volga State Recreation Area, and we can do some Archery at the Archery Range!  Hike any of the 10 trails that range from 1 mile to 4.5 miles long and range from Easy to Hard.  There are 22 miles of hiking trails here to choose from! 

Drive 3 hours home after we have had enough hiking.  OR Camp one more night at Volga River State Recreation Area.

Decorah, IA Multi-Sport Adventure

3-4 Nights Tent Camping, 4-5 Days Multi-Sport to include 14.5 Miles Kayaking, Seed Savers Exchange Tour, 40-50 Miles Bicycling, 5-20 Miles Day Hiking.

Minimum number of People: 6-10 at $TBD each

Maximum number of People: 11-16 at $TBD each

Trip includes: 3 hot breakfasts, 1 cold breakfast, Dutch Oven Dinner Dessert, 2-3 hot dinners, 1 Sack Lunch, Group Gear, Kayak Rentals and Transportation to Kayak Launch, Must Provide your own Bicycles (however, if you let me know you need to rent one, I can help you with that), Recommended Packing List, and Guide and Multi-Sport Instruction Service. Lunches/Snacks are not provided.