Lower Peninsula River Guide
Black River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
An 81-mile Thumb river that turns wild in the Port Huron State Game Area, then finishes with an urban paddle through Port Huron to the St. Clair River.
River History
The Black River rises in northern Sanilac County near the Huron County line and flows about 81 miles south to the St. Clair River at Port Huron. Croswell was founded in 1845 under the name Black River.
Much of the upper river and its basin were channelized for farm drainage, but the lower river through the Port Huron State Game Area remains wooded and wild. The Black River Canal in north Port Huron connects to Lake Huron.
Interactive River Map
Zoom and drag to follow the river. Confirm every launch on the ground before you commit to a shuttle.
River Overview
The highlight is the Black River Experience: a 5.2-mile, easy, very rural paddle through the Port Huron State Game Area from Norman Road to Beard Road, with bald eagle nests and ospreys.
Downstream, the Black River Urban Paddle runs from North River Road Park or Bakers Field Park through Port Huron to the St. Clair River.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
Check the Jeddo and Fargo gages. Late-season low water can make the game area stretch scrapy.
If the USGS map doesn't load on your device, use the live gage links below.
Paddling Character
- Class I, gentle current
- Wild, wooded game-area stretch with eagles and osprey
- Channelized farm river in the upper basin
- Urban riverfront through Port Huron
- Ends at the fast, busy St. Clair River
Michigan Water Trails
The Black River routes are part of the Blueways of St. Clair water trail network, including the Black River Experience (5.2 mi) and the Black River Urban Paddle.
Port Huron also offers paddling on Lake Huron and the St. Clair River for experienced paddlers.
Dams & Portages
- Ford Dam (Port Huron State Game Area) — portage required; private property
- No other dams on the paddled lower river
Launches
| Norman Road bridge | Start of the Black River Experience |
|---|---|
| Beard Road bridge | End of the Black River Experience |
| North River Road Park | Start of the Urban Paddle |
| Bakers Field Park | Alternate Urban Paddle start |
| Downtown Port Huron | Several access sites near the St. Clair River |
Listed upstream to downstream. Access changes — check the county, city or DNR site before you go.
Camping
- Lakeport State Park on Lake Huron, north of Port Huron
- No camping in the state game area outside DNR rules
- Hotels and RV parks in Port Huron
Wildlife & Fishing
- Bald eagle nests and osprey in the game area
- Pike, bass and panfish
- Herons, deer and waterfowl
Safety
- Portage Ford Dam
- Low water late in the season
- Boat traffic and wakes in Port Huron
- Strong current where the river meets the St. Clair
Best Time & Access
- May through early summer for the best water
- Fall color in the game area
- Weekdays for less urban boat traffic
- Check the Blueways of St. Clair site for events and maps
Trip Planning
- Norman Road → Beard Road (5.2 mi) — easy, rural game-area paddle with the Ford Dam portage
- North River Road Park → downtown Port Huron — urban paddle to the St. Clair River
Pair a paddle with camping at Lakeport State Park.
Download Blueways of St. Clair maps for access details.
River Difficulty
Class I American Whitewater classification
The Black River is Class I and rated easy. The game-area stretch is a great beginner wildlife trip; the urban paddle suits paddlers comfortable with boat traffic and the stronger current near the St. Clair River.
Quick Reference
| Length | About 81 miles |
|---|---|
| Flows into | St. Clair River, Port Huron |
| Class | I |
| Portage | Ford Dam |
| USGS gages | 04159492 Jeddo, 04159500 Fargo |
| Water trail | Blueways of St. Clair |
Sources
- Black River (St. Clair River tributary) – Wikipedia
- Blueways of St. Clair – Black River Experience
- Blueways of St. Clair – Black River Urban Paddle
- Michigan Water Trails – Black River Experience
- USGS 04159500
River conditions change with every storm. This guide is for trip planning only — scout, check gages and use your own judgment.
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