Paddle the Flat River

This adventure starts as any kayaking trip does: the great car-kayak shuffle.  I’ll leave that planning to your group size, but I recommend a 2 car minimum, one left at the take out spot (Fallasburg Park or downtown Lowell behind the KDL Library) and the other parked at Whites Bridge Road.  If you’re paddling with a larger group, I highly recommend shuttling as many people in one vehicle to the put-in spot as parking at Whites Bridge Road is limited.  There is a parking lot on the opposite side of the river, but is quite a long drive since the actual bridge was burned down in 2013. 

Navigation:

Starting point: Whites Bridge Road 

Approx. Address: 1600 Whites Bridge Rd, Belding, MI    

X/Y: 43.014345, -85.298037

Takeout Spot 1: Fallasburg Park Disc Golf Lot

Parking lot address: 14100 McPherson St NE, Lowell, MI 49331

X/Y: 42.9866591, -85.330065

Takeout Spot 2: Lowell KDL Library

Address: 200 N Monroe St, Lowell, MI 49331

X/Y: 42.935645, -85.338099

The paddle from the starting point to Fallasburg Park is relaxing and a short paddle: 5 river miles.  Depending on the conditions, a float down the river can take 3 to 3.5 hours, but with aggressive paddling, it can take as little as 1.5 hours.  There is a great island at the halfway point to eat lunch and use the ‘outdoor bathroom’.  Please take all garbage with you and go to the bathroom far away from the river’s edge.  This stretch is home to bald eagles and blue herons.  Eagles can be spotted quite often.  Also, if the sky is clear, fish can be seen swimming below (however, most are unfortunately carp). 

Takeout will be on the east side of the river just after you go under McPherson St.  I recommend checking it out during the car shuffle since there is a short walk to the parking lot. If you go under the covered bridge, you have gone too far.

If you’re planning on paddling through, this is still a great stopping point and has vault toilets for use as well as grills, picnic tables, etc.

The paddle from here to Lowell is more challenging and much longer.  This stretch is approximately 7.5 river miles.  Don’t let the distance fool you: the flow is much slower and there are shallow areas.  I don’t recommend this stretch for beginner paddlers.  It starts out going under the covered bridge, which is very beautiful.  It meanders down to a ‘lake’.  If it’s a windy day, paddling through the lake area can be quite exhausting.  The river bends to the west here, so stick to the west/north side of the water for the shortest distance to the portage point at the dam. 

This portage point is clearly marked. STAY AWAY FROM THE DAM. This portage is well maintained and kayaks can be dragged across a maintained mulch path to the other side. 

Note: there is an additional passage way straight south from the river opening to the lake.  I have not traveled this route, but there is a high intensity dam here.  I do not recommend this route as 1. a portage point may not be available, and 2. very dangerous conditions. See the map in the photo for dam locations. 

Once you have portaged over the dam, the water level drops.  In September, I made it through with some difficultly, but stepping out of your kayak and walking a bit may be necessary.  There are a lot of rocks here, so make sure to wear good, sturdy water shoes.  The river then moves into a relaxing meander until widening to a slow flow/wetland area as you near Lowell. 

Take out is on the east side of the river with a great EZ Dock ADA compliant take out spot.  

Made it? Great! Now it's time to drink beer and relax. 

Tip:  There is a great dog-friendly brewery in Ada, MI called Gravel Bottom Brewery in case you want some brews and brought your dog along.  It's a 'bring your own food' spot, but dogs are very welcome on the patio.