Hartford/County Road 687 Water Access

This access is the put-in for the 3 mile trip downstream to 67 1/2 Street (Pinery Road), the 6.5 mile trip to County Line Road (70th Street), and the 8.5 mile trip to Paw Paw River Campground on M-140. Once pathway clearing is done for the season, this 3 mile section is considered beginner friendly at normal water levels. Some logs may be exposed at low summer water levels.

This is also the take-out for the river segment beginning 5 miles upstream at 59 1/2 Street. Pathway clearing work was most recently done in mid August 2020 on the segment upstream of Hartford. This upstream stretch is considered Intermediate in terms of difficulty at normal water levels. At extreme low water levels, exposed logs may create some difficulty. 

To find this access, head north out of Hartford on CR 687 and go over the bridge. You will notice the Van Buren Sportsman's Club on the left but the public access is on the right side of CR 687. You must turn right on to 54th Ave and immediately turn right into gravel driveway/parking area. A short path leads down to the river just upstream from the bridge.

Hartford access parking lot

Path from parking area down to river

River Bank Launch Site immediately upstream from bridge

 

 

Parking Lot parking is available.

Carry-In boat access.

Length of access is less than 50 yards.

There is a short path down to the river and put-in is immediately upstream of bridge. Current is swift here and clay river bank can be slippery.

The sign for this site is in the water/on shore/bank (visible from water).