West Michigan Kayaking Club · River Guide
Hersey River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Lower Peninsula Paddle Guide
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
River History
The Hersey River forms in Lincoln Township, Osceola County, where Hersey Creek and its East Branch meet. It runs south beside US-131, through Lake No Sho Mo and Reed City, then east to the village of Hersey, where it joins the Muskegon River at Blodgett Landing.
Reed City and Hersey grew in the lumber and railroad era of the late 1800s. Today the river connects two trail towns: the White Pine Trail and Pere Marquette rail-trails cross in Reed City, and Blodgett Landing in Hersey is a village park and campground right at the Muskegon River confluence.
Interactive River Map
Pinch or use the + / – buttons to zoom.
Use the launch table below for exact access points, and confirm them before a club trip.
River Overview
Headwaters
The meeting of Hersey Creek and East Branch Hersey Creek, Lincoln Township, about 995 feet above sea level.
Major Tributaries
- Hersey Creek
- East Branch Hersey Creek
Communities
- Reed City
- Hersey
Sections
Upper river: Small stream beside US-131 into Lake No Sho Mo.
Reed City: Below the Lake No Sho Mo dam, through town under US-10.
Reed City to Hersey: Small, winding river east-southeast to the Muskegon.
Mouth
The Muskegon River at Blodgett Landing, Hersey.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
Primary USGS Gage
USGS Interactive Map
Explore every USGS stream gage on and near the river. Tap a site for live flow and gage height.
Water-Level Considerations
| Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Low | Scraping riffles. |
| Normal | Small, quick and clear. |
| High | Pushy into wood. |
| Flood | Stay off. |
Paddling Character
The Hersey is a short, intimate river best suited to experienced members comfortable with wood and tight turns. A good plan is to finish at Blodgett Landing and continue down the Muskegon River for a longer day.
Recommended Boats
- Short recreational kayak
- Solo canoe
Potential Hazards
- Lake No Sho Mo dam
- Sweepers and deadfalls
- Low bridges [V]
- Cold water
Best Conditions
Normal summer flow with a saw in the group.
Michigan Water Trails
Not a designated state water trail. The Muskegon River below Hersey is a popular paddling river with liveries.
Dams & Portages
Portage the Lake No Sho Mo dam.
| Structure | Type | Portage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake No Sho Mo dam | Dam south of Nartron Field airport | Required | Above Reed City |
Never paddle near a dam face or spillway. Take out well upstream and confirm portage access before the trip.
Public Kayak & Canoe Launches
| Launch | Area | Type | Parking | Restrooms | Fee / Pass | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reed City | Below the dam | City access | Verify | Verify | Verify | Confirm put-in location |
| Blodgett Landing Village Park | 605 E. Third St., Hersey | Carry-in canoe launch | Lot | Yes | Verify | Campground at the Muskegon confluence |
Camping
Blodgett Landing Campground
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife
- Deer
- Kingfishers
- Herons
- Beavers
- Wood ducks
Fishing
- Brown trout [V]
- Brook trout [V]
- Smallmouth bass (Muskegon)
Safety
Required / Recommended Gear
- PFD worn at all times
- Paddle + spare
- Whistle
- Dry bag
- First-aid kit
- Folding saw (trip leaders)
- Cold-water layers
River-Specific Concerns
Wood is the main hazard on this small river. Portage the Lake No Sho Mo dam. If you continue onto the Muskegon, expect bigger water and more boat and tube traffic in summer.
Best Time & Access
Best Time to Paddle
Access & Regulations
Trip Planning
What to Pack
- Everything in the Safety gear list, plus drinking water.
- A shuttle plan to Hersey.
Leave No Trace: pack out everything you bring. Clean, Drain, Dry all boats and gear between rivers to stop invasive species.
River Difficulty
Class I
Not listed by American Whitewater. Easy moving water with wood.
Ratings rise at high water. Check the USGS gage before paddling. American Whitewater
Quick Reference
Sources & Current Information
Last updated: October 2026. Water levels, hazards, launches, camping rules and closures change. Verify current USGS flow, weather, river conditions, access and regulations immediately before launching.
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Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.