See all 25 routes on Cedar River
Iowa | North Central Iowa
Cedar RiverInterstate Park / Mitchell to Bennett Access
Short Mitchell County Cedar River connector below the Mitchell power-dam portage, finishing at Bennett Access before the Iron Springs riffles and Falk Wildlife Area corridor.
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Route location
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Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.
Permits, camping and season
Access and shuttle
Carry from the Interstate Park take-out around the Mitchell dam and use a suitable below-dam river entry only if the route, access, and current water conditions support a safe relaunch; then paddle the short connector to Bennett Access.
Access map
Put-in
Interstate Park east-end access / portage anchorDo not run the Mitchell power dam. Iowa DNR says there is no developed canoe/kayak launch below it: the documented option is to take out at the ramp, carry up the embankment, then follow natural paths to the river edge. Scout the full carry and entry from land; do not launch unless the path is open and the landing is usable at current water levels.
Take-out
Bennett AccessThe route is short, so confirm Bennett from land before launching and avoid drifting into the next riffle-heavy section without that plan.
Road shuttle
Stage at Bennett Access on River Road, then confirm the Interstate Park dam-portage and below-dam relaunch area before unloading at Mitchell.
Additional access notes
- USGS 05457700 at Charles City is a downstream proxy; inspect local depth and current below Mitchell.
More route and safety guidance
- The Charles City gauge is a downstream route-family proxy. Make a same-day visual check below Mitchell because depth, debris, and current can vary on this short upper leg.
- Keep routine landings to Interstate Park, Bennett Access, or other clearly public areas; banks outside public accesses may be private.
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Conditions
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Weather
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Tomorrow and the weekend
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Station details and river cameras
Station observations
USGS measurements
Measurement notes and coverage
These are observations at the station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Cedar River at Charles City, IA. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Photos and recent reports
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Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
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Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Official route and mileageInterstate Park to Bennett Access, 1 mi
The Cedar River Paddling Trips guide lists Interstate Park to Bennett Access as a one-mile Mitchell County Cedar River section and publishes coordinates for both endpoints.
- Put-in disciplineBelow Mitchell dam portage
Iowa DNR says the park has no developed canoe/kayak launch below the dam; its described option is to take out at the ramp, walk up the embankment, and follow a natural path to the river edge. This route begins only after the full carry and a suitable below-dam entry are verified from land.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-23USGS 05457700 at 1,260 cfs / 3.85 ft
This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.
- Water-trail contextMitchell County Cedar River Water Trail
Mitchell County describes this Cedar River water trail as about 30 miles with calm stretches and quicker current through the county.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Other routes nearby
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All 25Nearby routes within 75 miles
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