Paw Paw River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows

River History

The river takes its name from the pawpaw fruit trees that Native Americans found growing along its banks — and still color the floodplain gold in fall. The North and South Branches meet north of the village of Paw Paw, and the river runs west past Lawrence, Hartford, Watervliet, Coloma and Riverside.

The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and local partners developed the Paw Paw River Water Trail, clearing paddling pathways and improving access. Most of the 24 registered dams in the watershed are low-head dams or on small tributaries, so the main river below Paw Paw runs largely free.

Interactive River Map

Zoom and drag to follow the river. Confirm every launch on the ground before you commit to a shuttle.

River Overview

The water trail runs about 68 miles from the village of Paw Paw — including Briggs Pond and Maple Lake above the Maple Lake Dam — to the St. Joseph River in Benton Harbor, half a mile from Lake Michigan.

The river is mostly sandy and shallow until below Riverside, where it deepens toward the St. Joseph. Its large floodplain forest makes it one of the wildest-feeling corridors in southern Michigan.

USGS Flow & Water Conditions

Below 6 feet on the Riverside gage, expect about 1.5–2 mph of current; above 6 feet, about 2–2.5 mph. Check the gage and the weather before every trip.

If the USGS map doesn't load on your device, use the live gage links below.

Dams & Portages

• Maple Lake Dam (Paw Paw) — the river trail begins below it; carry around if paddling from the impoundments
• Other registered dams in the watershed are low-head or on tributaries — check segment maps for any carries

Launches

Listed upstream to downstream. Access changes — check the county, city or DNR site before you go.

Trip Planning

• Paw Paw impoundments — easy flatwater on Briggs Pondand Maple Lake
• Watervliet → Coloma — wooded floodplain mid-river
• Riverside → Benton Harbor — deeper water to the St. Joseph confluence

The SWMPC water trail map breaks the river into more than 20 segments with skill ratings.

At 1.5–2.5 mph, plan roughly 2–3 river miles per hour including wood dodging.

River Difficulty

Class I  American Whitewater classification

The Paw Paw is Class I. Current is gentle, but wood makes many segments better for intermediate paddlers; the water trail rates segments from beginner to advanced. Its length and remoteness also make it a good candidate for longer club trips.

Quick Reference