Maple Lake Dam Access

This access site at the base of the dam is the beginning point for a 3 mile segment going downstream on the Paw Paw River and taking out at CR 665 bridge.  For the most part, this delightful section of river is small, winding, and shallow. Floating over gravel beds and watching fish dart about in the crystal clear waters makes you think you are on a stream much farther north.  Although beginner friendly at higher water levels, the river will be a little more difficult at low summer water levels. Occasional maneuvering is required to get to the side of the stream where the pathway through fallen trees has been cut. There are also some logs exposed at low water levels that may require hauling over. Also, at extreme low water, there are a few very shallow spots where you may have to drag your boat over short stretches of sand bars and/or mud flats to regain the deeper channel. Also, past the subdivision which is the approximate halfway point, there are at least two places where the river separates into distinct channels, both of which initially seem viable. Take the channel on River Right both times because the other channel is blocked.

IMPORTANT: if you want to access Maple Lake instead of the river, park at Sunset Park (entrance off of M-40) and use the boat launch there. 

Parking Lot, On Street parking is available.

Public restrooms are available (Portable Toilet).

Carry-In boat access.

Length of access is less than 50 yards.

The parking spots on 51st Street are on the south side of the road so you have to cross the road to get to the steps (old railroad ties) down to the river below the dam. There is also a parking lot and portable toilet about 100 yards southeast at Sunset Park (entrance off of M-40) . At the bottom of the steps, there is only room to launch one boat at a time into the large eddy pool beneath the dam.