BLACK RIVER (Douglas Co., WI, 14 mi. south of Superior)

LENGTH 3.5 mi., CLASS II-III

SEASON: A week or two in early spring.

PUT-IN: Trail to the base of Little Manitou Falls off of Hwy. 35.

TAKEOUT: Railroad trestle 3.5 mi. downstream. Hike northeast along the tracks 0.3 miles to Station Rd. or scout out an alternative.

GAGE: Visual. The USGS gage on the Nemadji River near South Superior appears to no longer be available online.

FUN FACT: Check out the highest waterfall in the state. Big Manitou Falls at 165'.

FIRST DESCENT:

SHUTTLE: From the put-in drive north on Hwy. 35 for 3 miles to Station Rd. Turn west on Station Rd. and park near the railroad tracks 1 mile down the road.

This river is known to boaters as the "Little Black", not to be confused with the "Baby Black" near Black River Falls or the "Real Black" in the U.P. It is more of a scenic run through the gorge in Pattison State Park.

There is a short stretch of whitewater between Little Manitou Falls and Interfalls Lake. Paddle across the lake and portage Big Manitou Falls on river left. Take the trail to the base of the falls and enjoy the short ride.