The Pecatonica River originates west of Dodgeville and winds its way southward through woods, farmlands, hardwood swamps, and marshes before crossing into Illinois. Obstructive deadfall tends to be a problem on the Wisconsin portion of the river, but this section is brush-free. The Pecatonica here is small, steep-banked, intimate, and often canopied by trees. The scenery is beautiful throughout and very peaceful.