Black River Fall Color Paddle Trip SHUTTLE

Name: Black River Fall Color Paddle Trip SHUTTLE
Start: 2025-10-19T11:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-10-19T13:00:00-04:00
Location: 69237 CR-388, South Haven, MI 49090-8382, United States

Schedule

Sun Oct 19 2025 at 11:00 am to 01:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

69237 CR-388, South Haven, MI 49090-8382, United States | South Haven, MI

TRC’s popular fall colors paddling trip on the Black River is October 19th and we are going to try something different this year to help as many people enjoy the river as possible. Rather than launching everyone at a set time (which is always challenging), this year we will be offering to provide a free shuttle anytime between 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Just bring your boat and gear to the Phoenix Road (CR-388) launch site on the Black River, unload it (we will have someone there to watch over it), and then follow us to the takeout at the Black River Kayak Launch site in South Haven where you will leave your vehicle. We will drive you back to the Phoenix Road launch site to begin your trip down the Black River at your own pace.
We have found that the third weekend in October has typically been ideal for fall colors on the lower Black River. The paddle trip from Phoenix Road (CR-388) to South Haven is about 5 miles and takes about 3-4 hours to paddle. The river starts out small as it meanders through the forest when leaving the Phoenix Road launch site. It gets wider and more open as you get closer to South Haven where there is a marina and late season motorboats moving about. Winds coming off Lake Michigan can slow you down as you approach South Haven, so be prepared and allow for extra time. Dress for the weather, bring food and water, and wear a life jacket. Everyone participating assumes all risk and is responsible for paddling themselves to the takeout in South Haven. We will not have boats to rent and will be offering no other support other than to shuttle your vehicle at the takeout.