(route description from Bangor to South Haven)

OPEN SECTIONS:

Approx. 3 miles at the beginning of the Water Trail: Bangor Lions Park to the Robert & Merion Horton Memorial Access Site at CR 687, Bangor Township:

A section from the City of Bangor's Lions Park (Hamilton Road) down river to the Robert & Merion Horton Memorial Access Site on County Road 687 Bangor Township has had the pathway developed. Deadfall after storms and winters are cleared as rapidly as possible. This 3 mile stretch of the river is very beautiful. It would be a Class 1 experience (as is the whole route). Of course, rainfall will add depth and velocity to the river and will increase velocity through the cut pathways. Put in at Lions Park in Bangor and travel to the Horton Access Site just beyond the bridge. A special Thank You to Bangor Township for putting in this access site on CR 687. This is an easy to moderate put-in and take-out. Once you exit the river, stick to the trail as there is poison ivy beyond the path.


UNDEVELOPED PATHWAY SECTION:

Approx. 4 miles from the Horton Memorial Access to Cr. 380.

The 4 miles from the Robert & Merion Horton Memorial Access Site on Cr. 687 Bangor Township down river to Cr. 380 has NOT been developed, expect MANY trees and logjams for the next 4 miles. Several portages will be required. There are NO roads or bridges between these location and only a couple homes at the lower section. This section is very remote and NOT RECOMMENED for beginner paddlers! At normal river levels this section was done in 5 ½ hours.


OPEN SECTIONS but expect some obstructions and portages:

Approx. 4.2 miles between CR. 380 to Basic Family Access at CR. 384

There is approximately 4.2 miles of river pathway that has been created but NOT maintained on a regular basis. There is no access site at the CR. 380 bridge but putting in at the Basic Family Access site (directions below) and going up river is very rewarding. This is a very pleasant paddle. However expect some trees down and maybe a portage or two.

Approx. 8.5 miles between the Basic Family Access at CR 384 to Black River Park in South Haven.

There is approximately 8.5 miles of river pathway created and maintained from the Basic Family Access on County Road 384 to the South Haven Black River Park access. You can put in at the canoe and kayak launch site in South Haven or the Basic Family Access. The Basic Family Access is located on the north-east corner of the river. A path way leads down to the river under the bridge. The Black River Park Access is on Dunkley Avenue. No need to enter the paid parking area or to use the pay boat launch because there is a free spot just before that. As you enter the Black River Park area, look to the left for the big Willow tree along the river. The launch site for canoes and kayaks is right there. There is a sign indicating the B/SH HWTA launch is there. The river at this point is wide and is considered a Class 1 experience. The South Haven harbor can be busy with powerboats, sailboats and personal watercraft so please use caution. There are no public put-in / take-out spots along the route but you may be able to exit at Phoenix Road and 8th Avenue with care and caution. The 8.5 miles to Black River Park takes about 3 ½ to 4 hours in normal river levels. Again, water levels will affect the velocity of water through the cut pathways so please be aware of recent rainfall. These stretches are really beautiful. You'll have a great paddle.


LAST SECTION:

Approx. 1 mile from Black River Park to Lake Michigan pier heads:

This last mile of the Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail is not talked about much but it is still part of the trail. Caution and awareness of other vessels, wind, and waves is a must. Big boats, large swell and little canoes and kayaks don’t mix very well in this narrow and very busy section of the river.