59 1/2 Street bridge access

This bridge crossing site gives access to the Paw Paw River. This is the take-out for trips beginning 6.5 miles upstream at 54th Street bridge. Once pathway clearing is completed for the season, this segment upstream from 59 1/2 Street is considered Intermediate at normal water levels. At extremely low water levels, exposed logs may create difficulties.

59 1/2 Street is also the put-in for trips going 5 miles downstream to the Hartford/CR 687 access. Once pathway clearing work is completed for the season this downstream stretch is considered Intermediate, but may be difficult at extremely low water levels.

There is a very wide shoulder south of the 59 1/2 Street bridge on the west side of the road for loading/unloading. The access to the river is on the southwest side of the bridge. Road shoulder parking is available on both sides of the road. Be aware that if you are floating down from 54th Street access, 59 1/2 Street bridge is the third bridge you will go under. The 1st bridge is CR 681 approximately 4.5 miles downstream. It is possible to take out on River Left just past the CR 681 bridge but most people plan their trip to take out at 59 1/2 Street which is a better access point. The 2nd bridge is Butcher Road two more miles downstream and it is another quarter of a mile to 59 1/2 Street bridge. There is a new tree fall at Butcher Road bridge on the upstream side of the bridge. A pathway through the tree top has been cut on River Right. A small channel separates on River Right immediately after Butcher Road bridge but stay on the much larger main channel to the left. When you reach 59 1/2 Street bridge, stay in the middle of the river to float under bridge and then the take-out is on River Left.

To find this access site, take Red Arrow Highway going east from Hartford (Exit #46 on I-94) or Red Arrow Highway going west from Lawrence (Exit# 52 on I-94). Turn north on 59 1/2 Street and access site is immediately before bridge on southwest side.

On Road Shoulder parking is available.

Carry-In boat access.

Length of access is less than 50 yards.

Sloping path alongside bridge down to river bank.