West Michigan Kayaking Club · River Guide
Black River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Lower Peninsula Paddle Guide
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
River History
The Black River rises a few miles north of Johannesburg in Otsego County and flows north through the northwoods to Black Lake, then on to the Cheboygan River just south of Cheboygan. Its upper river has long been prized as the region's top brook trout stream and a fast, wild canoe river. Kleber and Tower dams were later built for hydropower, creating the ponds near Tower.
Black Lake is home to one of the Great Lakes' most famous lake sturgeon populations, and the lake's short, tightly controlled winter sturgeon season draws crowds every February. The Lower Black, from Black Lake through Alverno Dam to the Cheboygan River, is short, with rapids above the dam, shallows below it, and a wide, deep final reach. It is also home to the endangered Hungerford's crawling water beetle.
Interactive River Map
Pinch or use the + / – buttons to zoom.
Use the launch table below for exact access points, and confirm them before a club trip.
River Overview
Headwaters
A few miles north of Johannesburg, Otsego County.
Major Tributaries
- Canada Creek
- East Branch Black River
- Tomahawk Creek [V]
Communities
- Tower
- Onaway (nearby)
- Alverno
- Cheboygan
Sections
Upper Black (to Tower): Cold, fast brook trout water through semi-wilderness forest; tight and woody.
Kleber and Tower ponds: Hydro impoundments near Tower. Portage both dams.
Black Lake: A large, wind-exposed lake between the upper and lower river.
Lower Black: About 4.3 miles of rapids from Black Lake to Alverno Dam, about 2.75 shallow miles below the dam, then about 2.5 wide, deep miles to the Cheboygan River.
Mouth
The Cheboygan River, a few miles south of Cheboygan.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
Primary USGS Gage
USGS Interactive Map
Explore every USGS stream gage on and near the river. Tap a site for live flow and gage height.
Water-Level Considerations
| Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Low | Bony riffles on the upper river. |
| Normal | Cold, quick current upstream; easy water below Alverno. |
| High | Dam releases and fast water; strainers dangerous. |
| Flood | Stay off. Dam emergencies are possible, as in spring 2026. |
Paddling Character
The Upper Black is a fast, cold, wooded river with a wilderness feel. It suits experienced members comfortable with quick current and wood. The Lower Black below Alverno Dam is easy paddling that ends in wide, deep water at the Cheboygan River.
The reach between Black Lake and Alverno Dam has rapids and is restricted water. Scout before running it, and never approach the dam.
Recommended Boats
- Recreational kayak (lower)
- Canoe
- Shorter kayak (upper)
Potential Hazards
- Kleber, Tower and Alverno dams
- Strainers on the upper river
- Wind on Black Lake
- Cold water
- Dam release changes
Best Conditions
Normal summer flow, calm days for any Black Lake crossing, and no dam advisories in effect.
Michigan Water Trails
Not a designated state water trail. The Black flows into the Cheboygan River, part of the Inland Waterway route.
Dams & Portages
Three dams are on the river, plus the Cheboygan Dam just downstream on the Cheboygan River. Portage all of them.
| Structure | Type | Portage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kleber Dam | Hydroelectric dam near Tower | Required | Under emergency monitoring in spring 2026 |
| Tower Dam | Hydroelectric dam at Tower | Required | Under emergency monitoring in spring 2026 |
| Alverno Dam | Dam on the Lower Black | Required | Spring 2026: sinkholes near the dam sealed with bentonite; check status |
| Cheboygan Dam | Lock and dam on the Cheboygan River | Use the lock or portage | Immediately downstream of Alverno |
Never paddle near a dam face or spillway. Take out well upstream and confirm portage access before the trip.
Public Kayak & Canoe Launches
| Launch | Area | Type | Parking | Restrooms | Fee / Pass | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Black road crossings | Above Tower | Informal / state forest | Roadside | None | None known | Confirm access and wood before launching |
| Tower area | Below the ponds | Verify | Verify | Verify | Verify | Portage around the dams |
| Below Alverno Dam | Lower Black | Verify | Verify | Verify | Verify | Start for the easy lower river |
| The Forks boating access | Cheboygan River | DNR boating access | Lot | Verify | Recreation Passport | Near the Black–Cheboygan confluence |
Camping
State forest campgrounds
Onaway State Park
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife
- Bald eagles
- Loons
- Otters
- Beavers
- Black bears [V]
- Deer
Fishing
- Brook trout (upper river)
- Brown trout
- Lake sturgeon (Black Lake)
- Walleye
- Smallmouth bass
Safety
Required / Recommended Gear
- PFD worn at all times
- Paddle + spare
- Whistle
- Dry bag
- First-aid kit
- Folding saw (trip leaders)
- Cold-water layers
- Map of portages
River-Specific Concerns
The dams are the biggest risk. Check DNR and Cheboygan County Sheriff updates after the spring 2026 high-water emergency. The upper river is remote, cold and woody, and Black Lake can build big waves in wind.
Best Time & Access
Best Time to Paddle
Access & Regulations
Trip Planning
What to Pack
- Everything in the Safety gear list, plus drinking water.
- A dam and portage plan, checked against current advisories.
Leave No Trace: pack out everything you bring. Clean, Drain, Dry all boats and gear between rivers to stop invasive species.
River Difficulty
Class I
Not listed by American Whitewater. Easy water on the lower river; faster, woody riffles on the upper river call for good boat control.
Ratings rise at high water. Check the USGS gage before paddling. American Whitewater
Quick Reference
Sources & Current Information
- Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council — Black River
- USGS — Reconnaissance of the Black River
- Michigan DNR — Cheboygan and Alverno dams update (April 2026)
- USGS — Cheboygan County monitoring locations
- Michigan Water Trails
Last updated: October 2026. Water levels, hazards, launches, camping rules and closures change. Verify current USGS flow, weather, river conditions, access and regulations immediately before launching.
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Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.