Black River Reservation

I hauled the kayaks down here to launch into the Black River. It is a long walk from the parking lot to the designated launch area. I wouldn't have found it if it weren't for other people to ask. Once I was down there I saw it was nothing more then a spot where they removed trees to access the water. There is no launcher of any kind here. The water was shallow and very fast moving for the first 3 to 4 miles. I got stuck on the bottom quite a bit. I am sure this would change if we had some rain. It is very scenic and can't wait to paddle this in the fall when the leaves are changing color. After the first several miles down the river I arrived in the area of the steel plant. The water was deep and still. It was less pretty and more industrial looking. I know that I could have turned right and the "intake" markers and recovered at the ramp in French Creek but opted to paddle down to the lake. The industrial look continued as I passed under several bridges and around big sweeping bends. Once I got under the draw bridge I could see the lighthouse. I paddled out and walked around the lighthouse a bit. Before returning to the East side of the pier to pull my kayak out of the water the Coast Guard did stop me to check for the presents of a life jacket and registration sticker. There is a small boat ramp on the East side of the pier that was able to pull out at and call a buddy to come get me. All in all the river is a good paddle that was just over 10 miles one way for my journey. I wish it was deeper in the beginning and the "launch" was more then just a river bank.
7 years ago (25-08-2017)

Has great walking trail. Only complaint i have is that theydo not tell you that it is a one way trail. It does not wrap around it goes from parking area about 4 miles to another parking area that is very far from where you parked and started your walk. Went almost to the end of the trail before realizing that it did not wrap around and take us back to the parking lot we had parked in so we had to turn around and walk back the way we came. Besides thus it is a great place to go for a trail walk and see some nature
8 years ago (01-08-2017)

Nice place to walk ride or skate you're way thu the trials
7 years ago (23-11-2017)

Beautuful walking part ways. Places to sit and rest. Even a port a potty along the trail. There is a nature preserve for birds. And plenty of deer to see.
7 years ago (07-08-2017)

Awesome area for family or group outings. Playground for children. Grills for cooking and covered pavilions with long tables and benches. Great area.
7 years ago (15-08-2017)