Paddle the Maple River

Maple River

Bring snacks, water for the day.

After a couple fun and challenging days on the Pigeon and Sturgeon, let's wind the weekend down with a lesser known gem, the Maple River. We will paddle for 1.5 hours down this tight and twisty scenic river. The river is not that fast so it should make for a nice relaxing end to the weekend. It is used by a trout fishing outfitter and kept generally portage free. We will save lunch for after the paddle, allowing those looking to head south an earlier departure.

When we get to the put in we will all help each other unload, together we will leave to drive to the take out, and get in as few vehicles as possible to shuttle back to the put in. (can you make room in your vehicle?)

I will ask permission of the township hall on the corner and the Rusty Saw to park trailers while we paddle.

Put in: Woodland Road
GPA Coordinates: 45.529086, -84.775294
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Take-out: Brutus Road (about a 7 minute drive)
GPS Coordinates: 45.493255, -84.742249
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Lunch at the Rusty Saw after the paddle.

From the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council:

## The Maple River is one of the lesser-known excellent-quality large streams in Northern Michigan. Sections of the river can be a pleasant paddle or time well spent with one’s fly rod. Its watershed is over 100,000 acres of northern Emmet and northwestern Cheboygan Counties. The West Branch has excellent water quality and is fed by large wetlands at its headwaters, including the Pleasantview Swamp and Stutsmanville Bog. The East Branch flows out of Douglas Lake in Cheboygan County, home of the University of Michigan Biological Station.

1. PFD Required to be worn properly at all times
2. It's a good idea to bring dry clothes in a dry bag and some in your car.
3. Please be aware that we enjoy our alcoholic beverages off-river only due to safety and other concerns. Please respect the event host (It's awkward approaching someone mid-trip) and the clubs position on this matter. We’ll enjoy one with you after the trip.
4. We leave on time to make sure that those who have to drop out with out contacting us can do so. We also can't wait for those who will be running late to keep the paddle in order. Please be on time or early.
5. We leave together after the safety talk and picture. Please remain on land until the host has completed their duties in this regard.