Access Site
MI
South Haven
City: South Haven, MI
County: Van Buren County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.41036840, -86.27256343
Air Temp: --
Location
Interactive access map
Loads when you reach this section.
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Black River
6 runs
There are no whitewater runs within 50 miles of this access site.
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
I-II(III)
298 mi away
Below Goose Lake to powerlines below Co.Rd.Fw (up to 9.34 miles)
8.2 mi
13 ft/mi
I(II)
380 mi away
A) E7178 (Elm Lane) to Ramsay (Mill St, Old US2) (6.0 miles)
5.7 mi
15 ft/mi
II-III
380 mi away
B) Upper: Ramsey (Mill St) to Gabbro (Baker) Falls (2.42 miles)
2.4 mi
50 ft/mi
I-II
382 mi away
C) Gabbro (Baker) Falls to Narrows Park (9.86 miles)
9.7 mi
II-III+
389 mi away
D) Narrows Park to Conglomerate Falls (8 miles)
8.5 mi
24 ft/mi
IV-V(V+)
391 mi away
E) Lower: Conglomerate Falls to Lake Superior (2.0-2.6 miles)
7.0 mi
110 ft/mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The South Haven access point on the Black River offers multiple launching options for paddlers and boaters. Black River Park features ten boat launch ramps accessible via a $7 fee at the entrance gate, with ample parking for vehicles and trailers. For non-motorized users, there's a free carry-in launch area near the distinctive large willow tree along the riverbank—accessible by following Dyckman Avenue to the park entrance. Parking in the lot outside the pay gate is free for all visitors.
This site is an ideal starting point for exploring the scenic Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail, which offers paddling opportunities ranging from tree-lined sections with natural scenery to more developed waterfront areas. The access area is handicapped accessible, making it welcoming for paddlers of varying abilities. With South Haven serving as a major recreational port with significant boat traffic and moorings, paddlers should be prepared for mixed-use conditions on the water.
This site is an ideal starting point for exploring the scenic Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail, which offers paddling opportunities ranging from tree-lined sections with natural scenery to more developed waterfront areas. The access area is handicapped accessible, making it welcoming for paddlers of varying abilities. With South Haven serving as a major recreational port with significant boat traffic and moorings, paddlers should be prepared for mixed-use conditions on the water.