Cannon River
★ Wild & Scenic🌿 Wilderness
Rice / Goodhue Co. · 112 mi · Class I
1,560CFS/ 5.42 ft
Above Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 200–1500 CFS · USGS #05355200
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USGS Gauge
Cannon River Wilderness Area · Wild & Scenic Study River
A gentle southern Minnesota river flowing 112 miles from Shields Lake through Faribault, Northfield, and Cannon Falls to the Mississippi River at Red Wing. The Cannon was a federal Wild and Scenic study river and remains one of the most accessible paddling streams in the Twin Cities region. Wooded bluffs, farmland, and small-town charm define the Cannon River experience.
Trip sections
Faribault to Northfield — 20 mi, gentle college-town paddle
Northfield to Cannon Falls — 25 mi, wooded bluffs, best scenery
Cannon Falls to Red Wing — 20 mi, Mississippi bluffs approach
Outfitters
Cannon River Canoe Rental
Canoe and kayak rentals for Cannon River day trips, Cannon Falls
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.