Foley Creek Kayaking Guide
Foley Creek is a small stream in Mackinac County, listed in Michigan DNR records at Township 41 North, Range 4 West, Section 13, with a mouth reference at approximately 45.94112, -84.73922. It sits in the eastern UP's lake-plain country not far from St. Ignace, in the vicinity of the Foley Creek Campground and trailhead in the Hiawatha National Forest — a place far better known to campers, ORV riders, and snowmobilers than to paddlers.
No kayaking or canoeing route on Foley Creek is documented anywhere in the sources reviewed: no put-in, no take-out, no float description. Note that a separate Foley Creek exists in Gogebic County in the far western UP (about 46.57606, -90.15656) — a different stream entirely, and likewise without documented paddling. The campground and trailhead near the Mackinac County creek serve land-based recreation, not creek paddling.
Foley Creek at a Glance
- Region: Eastern UP — Mackinac County
- Difficulty: Not documented
- Character: Small eastern UP stream near Hiawatha National Forest recreation sites
- Known reference: T41N, R4W, Section 13; mouth approx. 45.94112, -84.73922
- Watch for: A separate Foley Creek exists in Gogebic County — different stream
Paddling the Foley Creek
No established paddling route
No established paddling route is documented for Foley Creek in either Mackinac or Gogebic County. The nearby Foley Creek Campground and trailhead support camping and trail riding, not creek access. Small lake-plain streams in Mackinac County are typically slow, narrow, and choked with vegetation and deadfalls — poor paddling prospects even where access exists. Paddlers in the eastern UP will find documented water on nearby larger systems instead; check Michigan DNR maps and local sources for options with confirmed public access.
Hazards & Portages
No hazards are documented because no paddling route is documented. Small, slow UP creeks commonly carry strainers, beaver dams, and stretches too shallow or weedy to float. Ticks and biting insects are a serious consideration when bushwhacking along unmaintained creek banks in summer — wear repellent and check yourself after any scouting trip.
Access & Parking
No public boat launch or carry-in site for creek paddling is documented at Foley Creek. The Foley Creek Campground and trailhead nearby serve campers and trail users. The map below marks the creek's mouth reference in Mackinac County. If you visit, confirm you are on public land and that parking is legal where you stop.
Map
Paddle It With the Club
The West Michigan Kayaking Club paddles rivers like the Foley Creek all season long. Come float with us!