Flint River
The Flint River from the Flushing trail in Genesee County. Photo: Dan Roman via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
The Flint River runs about 142 miles through mid-Michigan, and its character changes dramatically along the way — from a wilder, wooded stream above the city to an urban river flowing through Flint’s ongoing revival. For paddlers, the best-documented water is in Genesee County, where a mix of natural stretches and downtown restoration projects offers real options.
The classic wilder trip runs from Holloway Dam to Irish Road — roughly a three-hour paddle through the least-developed water in the area. Paddlers describe a Genesee County Parks canoe launch at 7144 N State Road in Davison, with limited parking, as the practical put-in, paddling downstream toward Irish Road through quiet, wooded banks.
In downtown Flint, a roughly 1.5-mile beginner-oriented route launched behind Tenacity Brewing shows what the river’s revitalization looks like from water level. It’s a short, social paddle — more about experiencing the city from the river than about wilderness — and a fine first river trip.
At a Glance
- Approximate length: About 142 miles total; paddled sections of 1.5 to roughly 8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (the downtown route is beginner-oriented)
- Water character: Mixed — wooded and wilder upstream, urban through Flint
- Best season: Late spring through early fall; flows vary significantly after rain
Paddling Sections
Holloway Dam to Irish Road (about 3 hours): The wilder stretch. Put in at the Genesee County launch at 7144 N State Road, Davison (limited parking — carpool), and paddle downstream to Irish Road. Expect a natural, wooded corridor with the occasional downed tree to work around.
Downtown Flint: Tenacity Brewing loop (about 1.5 miles): A short beginner-friendly paddle launched behind Tenacity Brewing in downtown Flint. Good for a first river experience or an evening social paddle — confirm current access arrangements before you go, as urban access points can change.
Hazards & Portages
- Dams: The Flint has multiple dams — know exactly where they are on your section and portage well upstream of each one.
- Variable flow: The river rises and quickens notably after rain; what was an easy float can become pushy water.
- Woody debris: Strainers and logjams are common, especially on the wilder stretches — never paddle into a downed tree.
- Difficult launches: Some access points are steep, muddy, or limited. Wear footwear you can get wet and help each other with boats.
Access & Parking
7144 N State Road, Davison: Genesee County Parks canoe launch with limited parking — the practical put-in for the Holloway Dam to Irish Road stretch.
Tenacity Brewing, downtown Flint: Launch behind the brewery for the 1.5-mile downtown route; confirm current access before you go.
Map
The pin marks the Genesee County canoe launch at 7144 N State Road in Davison — the put-in for the wilder Holloway Dam to Irish Road stretch.
Paddle It With the Club
From wild stretches to downtown revival floats, the Flint River shows Michigan paddling at its most varied. Paddle it with the West Michigan Kayaking Club — we handle shuttles and share local knowledge.
Michigan’s Lower Peninsula River Guide • Join the West Michigan Kayaking Club on Facebook