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To ensure a successful Pine River getaway you can’t go wrong working with professionals. Pine River Paddle Sports Center on M-37 is highly recommended. www.thepineriver.com

Camping - For those fortunate enough to have the time, you can stay out there for several days. There are numerous campgrounds, both public and private, and there is rustic camping on most state land. Remember, this is a designated Wild and Scenic River so, again, there are a limited number of permits available for those who want to paddle. The Forest Service and DNR can provide information on the permit portions of the river and availability. After the Lincoln access point you will probably need a permit all the way to the Tippy Dam impound at the Manistee River.

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Pine River Water Trail

Uncrowded and unspoiled wilderness, that is what we dream of when we think about a getaway “up north”. In many cases it is hard to find during the peak of the tourism season but more often than not you can get away from it all on the Pine River. Not only is the Pine River a designated Wild & Scenic River, but some people also insist it offers the most beautiful paddle/floats in the entire lower peninsula. In addition, this river has all the services necessary for a safe and fun wilderness adventure, no matter which season you choose.

 

Pine River Water Trail

The most picturesque section is the lower 26 miles which was designated a National Scenic River in 1992. There are miles of pristine, fast running river water with deep canyons and dense forest. Part of the river flows through the Pere Marquette State Forest and part flows through the Huron-Manistee National Forest. While everything you are looking for can be found on this river, most people go for the canoeing and kayaking with some fishing thrown in, after all, in addition to the beautiful wilderness environment this is a designated “Blue Ribbon” cold-water trout stream.

There are several places to get on the river. The Lincoln Bridge access point in Lake County is popular. The Peterson Bridge access point in Manistee County is right on M-37 and is a favorite for a shorter float down to the Tippy Dam Impound. Overall, there are more than a dozen places to put in between Edgetts Bridge on 4 ½ Mile Road and the livery at the Pine River Paddle Sports Center on M-37 west of Hoxeyville. When it comes to float times there are all kinds of options.

The float times listed are estimates. Your time will vary depending on whether you paddle or just float along, stop for pictures, or pull up onto a sand bar for a picnic. These times don’t include travel time to the access point. There are many more options listed online.
Lincoln to Elm Flats: .75 Hours -- Elm Flats to Dobson: 1.75 Hours
Dobson to Peterson: 2 Hours -- Peterson to Low Bridge: 3 Hours