I've been on the turkey three times, and seem to remember the most scenic area I went on was the last 5 or 6 miles into Elkader - there were quite a few heavily timbered areas and some springs seeping out of the banks. Upstream of that (hatchery area) is in a deep, but broad valley, and there are still quite a few areas of crops not far from the river. I actually thought the Volga (in that same area) to be more scenic than the Turkey, but there are still several parts of the Turkey I've not floated yet.
From Gouldsburg Campground by West Union; down the Little Turkey river to Eldorado & down the Turkey another 6 miles was great this July. River level AT 4.85' @ Eldorado gave me a desire to river camp that stretch. the run took 6 hours with 4 hours of float time. Anything above 4.3' & I'm running that stretch again. You in?
I'm in east central Iowa & have floated some, not all these rivers. Am willing to try the rest of them, as soon as I get back from running the Buffalo National River In NW Arkansas Late March. A beatiful river with scenery like around the Upper Iowa River but has 12.5'DPM (drop per mile); CLass ll.
Canoe camping will happen this year. A 3 day 2 night trip will do.
I'm going to the Quad-cities' canoe clubs' planning meeting this saturday; to meet up with more paddlers.
I've the need to increase my paddling circle; can't seem to get enough floats in last year.
Lots of great websites on paddling out there, just not any local clubs here.
Madison,Wi is having a CANOECOPIA March 12-14, that I'm going to make this year. It's the largest paddling expo around. I've heard it's the best of paddling.
I just found this Message Board, so I'll have to frequent it often.