Remember: all TAPC outings are listed on our event calendar and are color coded using this scheme: Small Inland Lakes Great Lakes Easy Rivers Intermediate Rivers Difficult Rivers Clean-up Trips
Small Inland Lakes
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Difficult Rivers Clean-up Trips
Out-of-town Trips
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Come join us on our favorite stretch of the lower Manistee, about 45 minutes south of Chum’s Corners. We plan to paddle from Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge. This section is rarely crowded, and there are several fun riffles along the way. The current is quick, but the river is wide enough to be easily negotiated by adventurous beginners. The waterfalls along the high banks should make this outing a truly spectacular visual experience. Driving directions are below.
We will meet in the morning, do the shuttle and then head downstream. There will be a break for lunch, so bring one. Paddling time should be between 3 and 4 hours. You will be home by late afternoon.
Manistee River (Hodenpyl Dam) Note: The bridge over the river on M-115 just west of Mesick is under construction now, so use these alternative directions from Traverse City. I checked the Google Map link in our driving directions, and it seems to know about the detour. From Chums Corners, head west on US-31 to the Grawn intersection, and then turn left heading south on County 633. Drive 11 miles, then turn right and head west on County Line Road. Drive 2 miles and then turn left, heading south on N 9 Road. After 7.4 miles, you will come to a T-intersection with M-115. Turn right and go .4 miles; you will turn left (heading southwest) on Hodenpyl Dam Road. After about four miles, turn left on the dirt road and drive about ½ mile to the top of the Dam. If you notice the metal guardrail alongside the road and see that the road is starting to climb, you missed the turn.