Trip Overview
South Bend Dam to Niles Dam
We put in at the steps across from the Century Center in downtown South Bend. We stopped at Darden Rd. bridge for a photo op - the river is really scenic in this section. We saw 6 deer in the water, numerous Herons, an Osprey with a fish in it's talons and a bald eagle.
Stopped at St. Patricks County Park for a bathroom break and quick snack. Got out right before the Niles Dam, a nice little park with parking.
Took us 3 hours and 10 minutes even with the stops. The current is pretty swift especially since we've had a lot of rain, so we just floated the majority of the time.
Nice trip with little other boat traffic.
Accommodations:
Numerous hotels in the South Bend area
Fees:
none
Directions:
Downtown South Bend across the river from Century center. There is a parking lot just haul your boats down the side walk to the steps along the river below the dam.Take out along Bond Street in Niles.
Resources:
"A Paddling Guide for the St. Joe River" by J.L. Souers
Trip Details
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Skill Level:
Beginner
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Water Type:
River/Creek (Up to Class II)