FAMILY LANDING TO BLACK RIVER PARK KAYAK LAUNCH
This trip begins in the middle of nowhere, about halfway between Bangor and South Haven. The Family Landing is located on CR384 (12th Avenue) in Geneva Township. It’s on the north side of the road, on the east side of the river. A well-worn footpath leads from a small roadside unloading area to the riverbank. A small parking area is fifty feet north of CR384, on the west side of 68th Street, next to the old Riverside School.
My friend Dan and I took this voyage in early August of 2025 during low water levels. The character of the river can change during higher water levels.
On the first half of the trip, from CR384 to Phoenix Road, the current was slow over a sand bottom. Water depth was mostly one to three feet. The river flows in a northerly direction.
We encountered a multitude of downed trees and tree limbs. We successfully paddled over, under, and around most of them.
Some of them required a portage. Most of the portages were easy.
If you’re good at slouching way down in your kayak, then you can avoid some of the portages. Beginners might experience difficulty.
The first bridge after the landing spans the river at 8th Avenue. A tiny rapids under the bridge was the only swift current of the trip.
Downstream from the bridge, Black River Trails Campground occupies the riverbank on the left.
Upstream from the Phoenix Road bridge, a monster logjam completely blocks the river.
The portage is on the left. Follow the well-worn footpath through the woods for seventy five yards and you’ll arrive back at the river, downstream from the logjam.
The Phoenix Kayak Launch at the CR388 (Phoenix Road) bridge is a great spot to stop for a break. The landing features a dock with a boat slide and a ramp that leads to a parking lot and a vault toilet. You can end your trip at Phoenix Road or continue on to South Haven like we did. Starting at Phoenix Road and ending at South Haven is another trip option.
The second half of the trip, from Phoenix Road to South Haven, is much different than the first half. Very few fallen trees and no portages made paddling easy.
Shortly after leaving Phoenix Road, the river gradually becomes wider and deeper. The current slows to a snails pace.
If you tire easily, then you may not like this no-current section of the river. It extends all the way to the landing in South Haven. You may get tired, but the scenery makes it worthwhile. We couldn’t find anyplace to stop and get out of our kayaks to stretch and take a break.
Near the 70th Street bridge, the river changes course and flows in a westerly direction. Continuing downstream, the river travels under the 71 1/2 Street bridge, the Kal-Haven Trail bridge, and the Interstate 196/ US31 bridge.
At the Blue Star Highway bridge, the Black River enters the City of South Haven. From the Blue Star bridge to the boat landing, the shore is lined with hundreds and hundreds of boats.
Pleasure boats of all types and sizes are present.
As you can imagine, boat traffic can be heavy at times. Always be aware of your surroundings while kayaking the river through South Haven. Observe the rules of navigation. The river is patrolled, so make sure that you are compliant with the boating regulations. As long as you have a personal flotation device, then you’ll be okay. I have found that the pleasure boaters are a courteous bunch. They keep an eye out for small craft, but kayakers should still be vigilant.
The trip ends at the Black River Park ADA Kayak Launch. The landing is just around the bend from the boat ramp and 800 feet upstream from the Dyckman Avenue draw bridge.
There is a small free parking lot next to the loading/unloading area. When we ended our trip, the park restrooms were locked and we had to search elsewhere for facilities.
The first half of the trip challenged our kayaking skills. The lack of current on the last half of the trip tired us out. From start to finish, the scenery was exceptional. Overall, we enjoyed our Black River adventure!
KAYAKING SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 