Hersey River

The Hersey River at Reed City, Michigan. Photo: Tim Kiser via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

The Hersey River is a coldwater tributary of the Muskegon River system in Osceola County, flowing through the village of Hersey and the city of Reed City. It is best known to paddlers and anglers as a high-quality trout stream — and as a restoration success story: a former dangerous dam at Hersey has been removed, so the river now flows freely through the village.

For kayakers, the Hersey is a pleasant small-stream float rather than a whitewater destination. Expect clear, cool water, a winding wooded corridor, and the intimate feel of a stream you can almost always see across. It is the kind of water where a short, unhurried paddle — combined with watching for trout, herons, and kingfishers — is the whole point.

The documented public starting point is the carry-in launch at Mosaic Park (Mosaic Village Park) in Hersey. From there, paddlers generally float downstream toward the Muskegon River confluence area, arranging their own shuttle. No official point-to-point mileage is published, so treat distances as choose-your-own-adventure and turn around whenever you like.

Paddling Sections

Mosaic Park to downstream (distance of your choosing): Launch at the carry-in at Mosaic Park Boat Launch / Mosaic Village Park in Hersey (43.85189, -85.44457) and paddle downstream through the free-flowing reach below the former dam site. There is no published takeout mileage — scout your endpoint in advance, arrange a shuttle, or paddle an out-and-back. This is small-stream paddling: expect a narrow channel and plan for the occasional carry around downed trees.

Hazards & Portages

• Strainers and logjams: The main hazard on a stream this size. Never paddle into a downed tree — get out and carry around.
• Former dam site: The dangerous dam at Hersey is gone and the river flows freely, but always scout unfamiliar structures and old abutments from shore.
• Cold water: As a coldwater trout stream, immersion is a hypothermia risk even on warm days — dress accordingly.
• Shallow riffles: Summer low water can mean dragging through the skinniest stretches.

Access & Parking

Hersey River – Mosaic Park Boat Launch / Mosaic Village Park (43.85189, -85.44457): The verified carry-in launch in Hersey. Parking is at the village park; keep gear tight and respect park rules.

Reed City: The river passes through Reed City (shown in the photo above), but confirm legal public access at any road crossing before launching there — the verified launch is at Mosaic Park.

Map

The pin marks the Mosaic Park Boat Launch in Hersey — the verified carry-in access on the river.