Flowing north to join the Rainy River, the Little Fork River takes its name from its role as the smaller of the two rivers that converge at Rainy Rapids. This river, with its combination of calm stretches and intermittent rapids, offers a unique paddling experience. The Ojibwe people originally named it “the river separating canoe routes,” due to its proximity to the Nett River.
The Little Fork State River Water Trail provides paddlers with scenic views and the chance to spot local wildlife, enjoy bird watching, and fish along the river. The river reaches peak flow in late April, gradually decreasing through the summer. During dry spells, some rapids may become difficult to navigate without recent rainfall.
Adventurers should be aware of hazards like Class I-II rapids and the challenging Class VI rapids at Hannine Falls. Navigating this river safely requires careful attention to portage locations, as some areas are challenging and brush-filled.
For a memorable day trip, experienced paddlers can start at Veterans Park (river mile 142) and paddle to the Highway 73 bridge (river mile 126.8), a 15.2-mile journey featuring rock riffles and several rapids. Another recommended route is the 13.1-mile section from Dentaybow (river mile 57.9) to Fiedler (river mile 44.8). This secluded stretch winds through densely wooded areas with minimal development, making it ideal for a full day of paddling and fishing.
