Flat River in Michigan

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Paddled this beautiful stretch of River on Father's Day with my 11-year-old son along with a friend and his parents. This was my son's second trip in a one-person kayak. The other Dad and I had put in at Whites Bridge a year previous, just days before this oldest operational covered wooden bridge in Michigan was burned down. The bridge hasn't been rebuilt and does show any signs of plans for that soon. We put in on the south side of the former bridge and paddled to Fallasburg Park, about a 2.5 hour float with the boys.

My friend is always looking for Osprey on this stretch and usually sees some, but not this time. Several other birds, of course, and lots of big fish in the water. This is a very easy stretch of river that offers a nice array of wildlife and relatively little civilization.

The most fun was watching the boys chase down wildlife. At the launch, they caught a crayfish. On the river they came as close as possible to all the turtles they could find (and there were a lot of them). In fact, they were able to hold a good size painted turtle that had become trapped between a log and a rock while trying to escape them. Neither of its hind feet were completely whole, whether from birth defect or previous injuries. They also pursued a water snake gliding on the river.

A great way to celebrate Father's Day.

Fees:

No

Directions:

Take Lincoln Lake Road north of Lowell and then turn right (east) on Fallasburg Park Drive. You can then either take Covered Bridge Road or McPherson Road to turn left (north) on Whites Bridge Road to where it ends. Parking on the street, which is gravel at that point. There are take-outs at Fallasburg Park by the covered bridge at the south end or at the McPherson bridge on the north end. You could also put in on the north side of former Whites Bridge by taking Fallasburg Park Dr. until it end at 4 Mile, go right (east) and the right again (south) on Whites Bridge Road.

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location