Root River Paddle Challenge
Root River Paddle Challenge Race Description
Discover the Root River Paddle Challenge! Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM Starting at Linwood Park (Hwy 38 & 5 Mile Road, Caledonia, WI)
Embark on an 8-mile paddling adventure through the scenic waterways of Caledonia in Racine County. The Root River offers a unique variety of paddling experiences, from tranquil lake sections to exciting rapids, all while surrounded by beautiful rural woodlands, parks, and wetlands. This approximately 2.5-hour journey concludes at the Horlick Dam.
Event Details:
- Start Location: Linwood Park, 5 Mile Road – Franksville, Village of Caledonia
- Finish Location: Horlick Dam
- Distance: Approximately 8 miles
- Estimated Duration: About 2.5 hours
Pre-Paddle Information:
- Packet Pick-up: Saturday, May 10th at 12:30 PM at Linwood Park.
- Shuttle Service: For your convenience, drop off your kayak/canoe at Linwood Park. Please then drive your vehicle to the Horlick Dam. A shuttle will be available to transport drivers back to the starting point. To maximize shuttle space, groups are requested to limit to one driver per group.
- Driving Directions to Horlick Dam (from Linwood Park): Head east on 5 Mile Road, turn right onto Hwy 31, then turn left onto 4 Mile Road. Proceed to Green Bay Road and turn right onto Rapids Court (you'll see a BP gas station on the corner). Horlick Dam will be on your right, just past the southern end of the airport and before Rapids Drive.
Event Schedule:
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Participant Check-In & On-Site Registration
- 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Paddle Launch Window
- 4:00 PM: Expected Finish Time at Horlick Dam
If your group wishes to launch together, please notify event staff upon arrival, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Important Safety Reminder: All participants must bring their flotation devices (life vests), except those renting equipment. A limited number of loaner vests will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
It is mandatory that you have a life preserver and always wear it, it may save your life. 5Kevents.org, LLC, and all associated parties assume no responsibility. You are participating in this event at your own risk.
See you soon!
The staff at 5Kevents.org
Root River Paddle Challenge
Features:
- T-Shirt (Optional - fee applies)
- Complimentary Beverages
- Finsher's Medal
- Snacks
Course Description:
Starting at Linwood Park, 5900 5 Mile Road – Franksville, Town of Caledonia, and ending at Horlick Dam. The course is approximately 8 miles and takes about 2 -2.5 hours to complete.
Watercraft Rentals
Canoe and kayak Rentals are AVAILABLE!
Life Preservers
All participants must provide their life preserver and wear it at all times during the event.
To Horlick Dam:
From Linwood Park: Take 5 Mile Road East. Turn right on Hwy 31. Turn left on 4 Mile Road to Green Bay Road, then turn Right (Rapids Court). Horlick Dam will be on your right-hand side just past the south end of the Airport and before Rapids Drive.
PACKET PICK UP: Saturday: at the event
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Root River Paddle Challenge Where & When
- Location: Franksville, WI 53126
- Race Date: 2025/05/10 01:30:00 PM (Saturday)
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Categories:
- General Registration
- YOUTH - 16 and Under
I had so much fun with a very close friend of mine doing this challenge. I really feel as if you need some experience due to i flipped on a rapids area and there isnt really anyone or anything to do. Luckily there were a few very experience people that paddled up the river to help me ( had a slight injury) .
Awesome set up! We had the best time! Anxious for this year’s race!
This was my first time ever kayaking and had a great time. Parking at the nature center gets crowded so arrive early. Water was high & fast but we managed with little trouble. Took a timelapse using an action camera, check it out here https://youtu.be/LGh1jRSTNgU
Last year I did the Root River Challenge. It was the most challenging paddle I have ever tackled. Plus, I made it thru without tipping over! The river was extremely high and running quickly, but there were spotters everywhere to assist you. For me it was a very satisfying experience to complete this challenge.
The Root River Paddle Challenge is a lot of fun and a great opportunity to paddle a section of the river available only in the spring. The organizers do a fantastic job with the logistics making this a very accessible paddle. Don't miss this one!
Last year I did the Root River Challenge. It was the most challenging paddle I have ever tackled. Plus, I made it thru without tipping over! The river was extremely high and running quickly, but there were spotters everywhere to assist you. For me it was a very satisfying experience to complete this challenge.
I had a great time and I managed to capture some of the excitement with my camera. Check out my photo essay in The Natural Realm blog: https://awealthofnature.org/photo-essay-kayaking-in-the-root-river-challenge/
A lot of fun. Even though my kayak (flat bottom and too long 14 ft) didn't handle the current well (I went over 2 times) it was a lot of fun. I look forward to doing it again this year with a kayak more designed for river current. I consider it one of the better events for kayaks in this area.
Had an absolute blast last year! Can’t wait to do it again, getting my wife to come with this time. Trying for more. We’re skipping the Kentucky Derby for this!
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