MIDDLE RIVER CANOE FLOAT TRIP: The following accesses are listed in order from west to east along Middle River. A description of the river and estimated river mileage and time is provided for your convenience. The Conservation Board is in the process of developing a “water-trail” on Middle River. Additional accesses are planned for Roseman Covered Bridge, Pammel Park and Holliwell Covered Bridge. Water-trail signage will be provided to direct canoers/kayakers to the access sites, as well as signage posted on each bridge alerting the river user to how many river miles to the next access. For updated information concerning the development of the water-trail, contact the Conservation Board office (515-462-3536).

Schildberg Access: Schildberg Access is located approximately 10 miles west of Winterset on Highway 92. A walk-down ramp is available for canoes and kayaks near the parking area (river-left). Approximately 7 river miles (1 hour, 45 min) to Roseman Bridge. This stretch of river travels through both timbered valleys and open pasture. A few chutes and riffles.

Roseman Bridge: Located approximately 7 miles southwest of Winterset (following Roseman Bridge signs on Highway 92 west). There is no formal access ramp here. The easiest place to put in/take out a canoe/kayak is on southeast corner of Covered Bridge (river-right). Approximately 8.7 river miles (2 hour, 30 min) to Pammel Park Ford. This stretch of river is the most scenic portion in Madison County with numerous chutes and rock riffles. Tall limestone bluffs and dense timber line the river corridor just above Pammel Park.

Pammel Park Ford: Located 4 miles southwest of Winterset. A new walk-down ramp for canoes & kayaks is located near the east parking area 200’ down river of the ford (river-right). Approximately 8.7 river miles (3 hours, 30 minutes) to Middle River Park access. River begins to flatten and widen out a bit more than the previous stretch, but remains highly meandering and challenging.

Middle River Park Access: Located 1 mile south of Winterset on County Road P-71. A recently renovated walk-down ramp is available for canoes & kayaks (river-left). Approximately 4 river miles (1 hour, 15 minutes) to Holliwell Covered Bridge. River continues to flatten out, but remains challenging and very shaded.

Holliwell Covered Bridge: Located 2 miles southeast of Winterset. There is no formal access site here. However good locations to take out are either a few hundred feet up-river from the Covered Bridge on river-left, or directly under the Covered Bridge on river-left. Access sites to the river below this point, at this time, are limited to existing bridge crossings and some can be difficult to negotiate due to steep-bank slopes.