Black Mallard River Kayaking Guide

A northern Michigan river in fall color
Representative northern Michigan river scenery. Photo: Yetiwriter, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

The Black Mallard River is a roughly 10-mile stream in Presque Isle County that flows to Lake Huron — and this guide exists mainly to tell you not to plan a trip on it. Research describes a small, obstructed stream: depths from about six inches to six feet, widths of only 12 to 22 feet, and numerous treefalls and beaver dams. Most importantly, 100% of the river's frontage is privately owned, and we found no public river launch anywhere on it. Put those facts together and the honest conclusion is clear: the Black Mallard River is not a paddling destination.

At a Glance

  • Location: Presque Isle County, northeast Lower Peninsula
  • Length: About 10 miles to Lake Huron
  • Difficulty: Not a paddling destination
  • Character: Small, obstructed stream; 12–22 feet wide
  • Frontage: 100% privately owned
  • Verified launches: None — do not trespass

Paddling Sections

There are no recommended paddling sections. The stream is small, choked with treefalls and beaver dams in places, and entirely bordered by private land. Even reaching the water legally would be difficult, and floating it would mean constant portaging through obstructions. We publish no segment mileages because no trip here is documented or advisable.

Hazards & Portages

  • No legal access: With all frontage private and no public launch, there is no lawful way to put a boat in. Roadside launching would mean trespassing — don't do it.
  • Obstructions: Numerous treefalls and beaver dams make the stream effectively un-floatable.
  • Shallow water: Depths as little as six inches in places.

Access & Parking

None. There is no public launch, park, or access site on the Black Mallard River that we could verify. The marker below shows the river's mouth on Lake Huron (45.54000, -84.13083) as a geographic reference only — it is not an access point.

Map

Marker: the Black Mallard River's mouth — a reference point, not an access site.

Paddle With West Michigan Kayaking Club

Every river in this guide series gets an honest write-up — including the ones to skip. For water that's actually worth your weekend, join the West Michigan Kayaking Club: check the club calendar for upcoming trips, and join our Facebook group to meet fellow paddlers. Browse all of our write-ups on the Michigan's Lower Peninsula River Guide page.