Hell Area in Michigan

Trip Overview

This is a chain of lakes & canals. At the northeasterly end is the town of Hell. (Yes, I've been to Hell and back - several times.) Here is a water path that my buddy Charlie Parmelee showed me:

Put in on the northern shore of Bruin Lake at (N42 25.330' W84 02.434'), and paddle easterly to a channel leading to Watson Lake at (N42 25.315' W84 01.919'). The other end of the channel is at (N42 25.319' W84 01.742'). Paddle eastsoutheasterly to (N42 25.261' W84 01.441') a channel leading to Half Moon Lake. You will enter Half Moon Lake at (N42 25.244' W84 01.333').

Cross Half Moon Lake going northeasterly to a channel at the very far northeasterly corner of the lake (N42 25.432' W84 00.565'). The other end of the channel enters Hi Land Lake at (N42 25.417' W83 59.982'). Paddle southeaterly about 1/4 mile around a point of land, then turn northeasterly to (N42 25.520' W83 59.585'), a narrow spot in the lake.

Finish cross the lake bearing northnortheasterly to (N42 25.999' W83 59.338'). Take out and park near the dam. Walk Northeasterly a couple of a hundred yards to the "Dam Site Inn" for a dam good lunch.

There are many little lakes connected to this gaggle of ponds. Shoreline abounds with brush, cottages, fields, trees, marshes, etc. Since much of the shoreline looks somewhat like other parts of the shore, I STRONGLY recommend either a GPS and map, or a compass and a map. There are many spots to stop to fish, take pictures, eat snacks, etc.

Accommodations:

Bruin Lake State Park. Camping w/ restrooms & showers.

Fees:

State park permit. $5/day $20/year

Directions:

From Stockbridge MI, intersection of M-52 & M-106 ( N42 27.064' W84 10.794'): proceed easterly on M-106 for about 4.35 miles ( N42 26.790' W84 06.212'). Turn southeasterly onto Williamsville road, and go southeasterly for about 2.9 miles to its ending on Unidilla Road. Turn right (southerly) for about 100 feet, and immediately turn left onto Kasiser Road. Go through the tiny burg of Unidilla and travel 0.8 miles to the entrance to Bruin Lake State Park (N42 25.782' W84 02.454'), and turn right (southerly). Go to the gate, buy a permit, and go to the water.