Carp River (Chippewa County) Kayaking Guide

The Carp River of Chippewa and Mackinac counties is one of Michigan's signature wilderness paddling rivers. It rises at the outlet of Trout Lake (also called Carp Lake) in Chippewa County and flows about 40 miles south and east through the Hiawatha National Forest to St. Martin Bay on Lake Huron. On March 3, 1992, 21.7 miles of the river were added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in Wild, Scenic, and Recreational classifications.

The heart of the river passes through the Mackinac Wilderness near M-123, an area jointly managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission. Unlike most Upper Peninsula rivers, the Carp's watershed is relatively flat, so the river is mostly gentle with only a few small rapids — and it is often used by canoeists. Brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout fill the river in summer, with salmon runs in fall.

Near its mouth the river is crossed by the Mackinac Trail – Carp River Bridge, a 1920 spandrel arch bridge listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, before it empties into St. Martin Bay of Lake Huron.

Paddling the Carp River (Chippewa County)

Trout Lake to M-123 (upper river)

The upper Carp leaves Trout Lake and winds through Hiawatha National Forest with little road access. Expect remote, quiet paddling with occasional beaver dams and deadfall to work around — plan this reach as a backcountry trip, not a casual day float.

M-123 through the Mackinac Wilderness (middle river)

Near M-123 the river enters the Mackinac Wilderness, the Wild and Scenic heart of the Carp. This is the best-documented paddling reach: gentle current, small rapids, and a forested wilderness corridor. Put in informally near the M-123 bridge and float downstream; this stretch is the classic Carp River canoe trip.

Lower river to St. Martin Bay

Below the wilderness the river continues southeast past the historic 1920 Mackinac Trail bridge to its mouth at St. Martin Bay. Near the mouth, dipping for smelt in spring and salmon fishing in fall are local traditions. Watch for Lake Huron wind and waves at the outlet.

Hazards & Portages

The Carp is a forgiving river, but strainers from deadfall, beaver dams requiring short carries, and the few small rapids in the wilderness reach deserve respect, especially in spring high water. At the mouth, Lake Huron conditions — wind, waves, and cold water — can make the outlet dangerous for small boats.

Access & Parking

Access is informal along much of the river: put in near the M-123 bridge for the wilderness reach, and find roadside and bridge access points downstream toward St. Martin Bay. Hiawatha National Forest borders much of the river, providing public land, but check current Forest Service maps for exact access sites before your trip.

Map

Map: Carp River near the Mackinac Wilderness, north of St. Martin Bay.