Little Black River Kayaking Guide

The Little Black River is a 19.6-mile stream in Gogebic County in the far western Upper Peninsula, part of the Black River watershed that eventually reaches Lake Superior. It connects Sunday Lake with the Black River system, and one of its notable features is Sunday Lake Falls — a drop of roughly 10 feet located at about 46.4792, -89.9286. That waterfall is a natural dividing line for any on-water ambitions on this stream.

A quick but important clarification: this is the Upper Peninsula's Little Black River, not the stream of the same name in Cheboygan County in the Lower Peninsula. They are entirely different waters in different basins, and information about one does not apply to the other.

No established paddling route, mileage, or public launch is documented for the Little Black River. The main Black River below it is known for waterfalls and whitewater that draw expert paddlers, but that reputation does not transfer to this tributary — and the presence of Sunday Lake Falls on the Little Black itself means no continuous run is possible. Treat this as a remote, unscouted stream: verify DNR maps, land ownership, and water levels before considering it.

Paddling the Little Black River

No established route

There is no documented kayak itinerary on the Little Black River. Sunday Lake Falls, at roughly 46.4792, -89.9286, divides the stream and rules out any continuous paddle. Above and below the falls, the river is a small, remote tributary with no verified public put-ins or take-outs in the sources consulted. The Black River system's whitewater reputation belongs to the main river's famous waterfall corridor, not to this tributary.

What a scouting trip would require

Any attempt to paddle here would have to start with basic reconnaissance: drive the road crossings, confirm which banks are public, check flows after rain, and identify the falls location from the water side before committing. Given the lack of documentation, this is exploratory paddling for experienced, self-sufficient boaters — not a destination trip.

Hazards & Portages

Sunday Lake Falls is an unrunnable drop and the only confirmed hazard on the stream — locate it before you float anything, because the river gives you no documented warning markers. Expect the usual remote UP stream hazards: logjams, strainers, beaver dams, and cold water. Land ownership along the corridor is mixed, so a "portage" could easily cross private land; get permission or stay on confirmed public ground.

Access & Parking

No public boat launch or confirmed river access is documented for the Little Black River. Sunday Lake itself is a known local landmark, but lake access is not river access — do not assume a launch at the lake translates to a legal or practical river put-in. Verify every access point against DNR maps and county plats.

Map

Map shows the documented Sunday Lake Falls reference point; no public launch is confirmed there.