Paddling the Manistee River, Michigan

Trip Overview

Location: From CCC Bridge to West Sharon Access Site.

Highlights: Although the Manistee River is a popular paddle, this section usually offers a solitary jaunt past a landscape that seems barely touched by the 21st century. Homes are scattered here and there, but for the most part, views include lush fields, hardwood forests, and the occasional angler. Adding to the charm, three creeks spill into the river, their silvery water gliding through dark forest, and close to North Sharon Bridge, the current quickens with a few actual rapids.

Distance: About 9 miles.

Difficulty: Maintained by liveries, this section of the Manistee increases in speed as you paddle downstream, from gentle to moderately fast with a few lively ripples.

Route finding: The river splits around islands in several places. Either way is usually fine, but sometimes a channel might be clogged with deadfall. After the North Sharon Bridge, consider paddling right instead of left when the river splits (soon after the North Manistee merges from the right). The righthand channel offers a faster ride through a narrow stream with overhanging trees (sometimes, though, you’ll encounter a portage in this section).

More information: https://michiganriverpaddling.