Hayes Creek Kayaking Guide

Hayes Creek is a small stream in Dickinson County, listed by the Michigan DNR at Township 43 North, Range 28 West, Section 22, in the Ford River basin, with a geographic reference at about 46.1038382, -87.7859668. It sits in the western part of the Ford River watershed, in the forested country of Dickinson County's interior.

A same-named Hayes Creek also exists in Alger County (about 46.2188402, -86.9740351) — a different stream, and likewise without documented paddling. The DNR's Ford River basin listing places this creek in Dickinson County, which is the identity used here. No paddling route, launch, or trip report is documented for either Hayes Creek. These are small headwater streams: trout water and topographic-map features, not kayak destinations.

Paddling the Hayes Creek

No established paddling route

No established kayaking or canoeing route is documented for Hayes Creek, and no public access point is published. The creek is known only from DNR stream listings in the Ford River basin. Paddlers interested in this watershed should focus on the Ford River itself, which has documented launches and a paddled lower reach. As with any small UP creek, confirm public access at each crossing with Michigan DNR maps and local sources, and be sure you are looking at the Dickinson County creek rather than its Alger County namesake.

Hazards & Portages

No hazards are documented because no paddling route is documented. Small headwater creeks in Dickinson County typically carry deadfalls, beaver dams, and water too shallow to float outside spring runoff. If you scout the area, wear sturdy footwear, dress for cold water, and watch for ticks in summer.

Access & Parking

No public boat launch or carry-in access is documented for Hayes Creek. The map below shows an approximate location in Dickinson County. Verify land ownership and legal parking with DNR or county plat maps before visiting — a bridge crossing alone does not establish public access.

Map