Kayaking & Canoeing the Little Cedar River
Iowa paddling guide
- 54 mi
- River mapped
- 4
- Boat launches
- 4
- Campgrounds
- 2
- Counties
The Little Cedar River is one of Iowa's paddling rivers, tracing roughly 54 mi, winding through Floyd and Mitchell Counties. This guide maps 4 public boat launches and access points and 4 nearby campgrounds on the Little Cedar River, plus the live USGS gauge readings you need to plan a safe day kayaking, canoeing or tubing in Iowa.
A popular way to paddle the Little Cedar River is to put in at Colwell Park and take out at Riverside Park — check the live gauge first and always leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out.
Boat launches & access points on the Little Cedar River
4 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Colwell ParkFloyd Co.
- ▸New Haven PotholesMitchell Co.
- ▸Pioneer ParkMitchell Co.
- ▸Riverside ParkMitchell Co.
Camping near the Little Cedar River
- ⛺Campground
- ⛺Colwell County Park Camping
- ⛺Pioneer County Park
- ⛺Riverside County Park Campground
Live Little Cedar River conditions
Little Cedar River: 198 cfs, 4.2 ft — runnable.
Yes — right now the Little Cedar River is runnable at 198 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:45 AM CT), within its normal paddling range. Iowa rivers rise fast after heavy rain, so always check the live USGS gauge and skip the river when it reads high or is flagged for flooding.
Typically runnable between about 40 and 2,000 cfs. Treat readings above 2,000 cfs as dangerous high water and below 40 cfs as too low to float. Provisional paddling band — always scout on site.
Source: USGS Little Cedar River near Ionia, IA, updated Jul 25, 2026, 7:45 AM CT. Live readings are provisional — always confirm on the map before launching.
River levels change fast. Check the live USGS gauges, weather radar and flood-safety status for the Little Cedar River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Little Cedar River paddling FAQ
- Is the Little Cedar River safe to paddle right now?
- Yes — right now the Little Cedar River is runnable at 198 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:45 AM CT), within its normal paddling range. Iowa rivers rise fast after heavy rain, so always check the live USGS gauge and skip the river when it reads high or is flagged for flooding.
- Where can I put in and take out on the Little Cedar River?
- A popular run is from Colwell Park to Riverside Park. In all, the Little Cedar River has 4 mapped public boat launches — leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out and confirm access before you go.
- How long is the Little Cedar River?
- About 54 mi of the Little Cedar River is mapped for paddling across 2 Iowa counties, with 4 access points to build shorter day trips.
- Do I need a permit to kayak or canoe the Little Cedar River?
- No permit is required to paddle Iowa's rivers. Non-motorized kayaks and canoes don't need registration; just wear a life vest, check the live USGS gauge, and avoid the river during or after heavy rain.
Rivers to paddle near the Little Cedar River
Close by if you're planning a kayaking or canoeing trip in this part of Iowa:
Paddle more of Iowa
The Little Cedar River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.