Kayaking & Canoeing the Maquoketa River, North Fork
Iowa paddling guide
- 72 mi
- River mapped
- 5
- Boat launches
- 1
- Campgrounds
- 3
- Counties
The Maquoketa River, North Fork is one of Iowa's paddling rivers, tracing roughly 72 mi, winding through Delaware, Dubuque and Jackson Counties. This guide maps 5 public boat launches and access points and 1 nearby campground on the Maquoketa River, North Fork, 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 Maquoketa River, North Fork is to put in at Hurtsville Fishing Pond Access and take out at Worthington Bridge — check the live gauge first and always leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out.
Boat launches & access points on the Maquoketa River, North Fork
5 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Cascade City ParkDubuque Co.
- ▸Hurtsville Fishing Pond AccessJackson Co.
- ▸Hwy 136 BridgeDubuque Co.
- ▸Ozark Wildlife AreaJackson Co.
- ▸Worthington BridgeDelaware Co.
Camping near the Maquoketa River, North Fork
- ⛺Ozark Wildlife AreaJackson Co.
Live Maquoketa River, North Fork conditions
Maquoketa River, North Fork: 383 cfs, 3.3 ft — runnable.
Yes — right now the Maquoketa River, North Fork is runnable at 383 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:00 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 60 and 3,500 cfs. Treat readings above 3,500 cfs as dangerous high water and below 60 cfs as too low to float. Provisional paddling band — always scout on site.
Source: USGS North Fork Maquoketa River near Fulton, IA, updated Jul 25, 2026, 7:00 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 Maquoketa River, North Fork on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Maquoketa River, North Fork paddling FAQ
- Is the Maquoketa River, North Fork safe to paddle right now?
- Yes — right now the Maquoketa River, North Fork is runnable at 383 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:00 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 Maquoketa River, North Fork?
- A popular run is from Hurtsville Fishing Pond Access to Worthington Bridge. In all, the Maquoketa River, North Fork has 5 mapped public boat launches — leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out and confirm access before you go.
- How long is the Maquoketa River, North Fork?
- About 72 mi of the Maquoketa River, North Fork is mapped for paddling across 3 Iowa counties, with 5 access points to build shorter day trips.
- Do I need a permit to kayak or canoe the Maquoketa River, North Fork?
- 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 Maquoketa River, North Fork
Close by if you're planning a kayaking or canoeing trip in this part of Iowa:
Paddle more of Iowa
The Maquoketa River, North Fork is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.