Much progress has been made on opening sections of the route between the City of Bangor and the mouth of the Black River (South Haven). The total route is approximately 21 miles in length. The route had not been navigable for many years. Volunteers and a professional crew have been hard at work clearing a pathway through log jams. The "Adopt-aJam" program helps raise money to pay professionals to clear the biggest log jams jams too big for volunteers to handle. Generally, the cut pathways are are between 4 and 6 feet wide. Wide enough for canoes and kayaks. Basically, the river is open to kayak and canoe paddlers at the beginning and the end of the route with the middle still under development.

Open Sections:

Approx. 6 miles at the Beginning of the Trail in Bangor: Bangor to CR 687

A section from the City of Bangor's Lions Park (Hamilton Road) and County Road 687 is open. Deadfall after storms and winters is cleared as rapidly as possible. This 5-6 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 CR 687 bridge. Thanks to Bangor Township there is a put-in and take-out at 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. The river is not open beyond this point.

Approx. 8 Miles at the end of the Trail in South Haven: Three Sections; 1-South Haven to Phoenix Road; 2-Phoenix Road to 8th Avenue and 3-8th Avenue to CR 384

These sections of the river are also open. You can put in at the canoe and kayak launch site in South Haven. This is located in Black River Park 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. Going up river to Phoenix Street, 8th Avenue, or even as far as CR 384 is possible. All told the distance is approximately 8 miles up river and another 8 miles back down to the public launch site. There are no public put-in / take-out spots along the route but you may be able to exit at 8th Avenue and Phoenix Streets with care and caution. However, it is probably a better idea to paddle up and then come back down to your starting point. Again, water levels will affect the velocity of water through the cut pathways so please be aware of rainfall - knowing that the closer to the rainfall, the more likely are higher water levels. These stretches are really beautiful. You'll have a great paddle.