Three Days on the Brule: Stones to Hwy #13 by Canoe

The Brule River’s A6: Stones — Hwy 13 run in Brule, Wisconsin, is a three-day canoe and kayak route that compresses technical whitewater and easy access into a compact northern-Wisconsin paddle. Launch from the Brule River Office and expect boulder-strewn riffles, short drops, calm pools, and frequent eddies carved through glacially deposited stones and exposed ledges. This section suits paddlers who want hands-on canoe lines without a long wilderness approach; shuttle service from Highway 13 simplifies logistics for multi-day trips. Rentals run across classes — sit-on-top kayaks, recreational kayaks sized to weight categories, tandem canoes, and whitewater canoes — with weekday prices starting around $101 and weekend or holiday rates rising toward $219. If you bring your own craft, purchase a shuttle pass; group discounts exist for customers using personal kayaks or canoes, and many booking tiers include shuttle and equipment. On the water, the ‘Stones’ nickname fits: midriver boulders create tight channels, short technical rapids, and playful hydraulics that reward precise edging, draws, and strong ferry angles. Between rapids are long glassy stretches for recovery and observation of riverside flora such as jack pine, red maple, and mixed hardwoods. Expect river otter at dawn, kingfishers in motion, and occasional bald eagles circling above current seams. Paddlers familiar with the Ojibwe traditions of this region will notice longstanding campsites and traditional fishing areas along quieter banks; this corridor sits within that broader cultural landscape. Practical safety matters: wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD, helmet if paddling whitewater canoe lines, carry a throw bag and a whistle, and watch levels after rain when hazards can be submerged. Campsites along multi-day options are basic but well-suited to paddlers who value shoreline access and evening river sounds; bring a compact stove and leave no trace. For paddlers seeking a tight, skill-building three-day trip with shuttle convenience off Highway 13, A6: Stones — Hwy 13 is an efficient northern-Wisconsin run that balances technical interest, wildlife viewing, and easy logistics. Booking flexibility is a highlight—weekday rentals are often quieter, while weekend bookings fill quickly during summer and foliage seasons; reserve early to secure the preferred craft and shuttle times. The operator offers shuttle-only passes for paddlers who bring their own boats, and discounted shuttle rates apply when groups combine private craft with rental bookings. Plan for mosquitoes in warm months, a layered mid-day sun and cool mornings, and the possibility of strong currents after heavy rains; a simple trip plan filed with a friend and basic river skills will make a safer, more enjoyable outing. Head to Brule River Office for check-in, bring appropriate clothing layers, and leave time after the final day to explore Highway 13’s small towns and lakeshore viewpoints before heading home.