Outdoors

Best Rivers in the State

Sturgeon is mentioned

Editor’s note: his story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.

DETROIT -- When Bridge Michigan decided to launch the River Awards as part of a summer-long series on rivers, we didn't know which ones would rise to the top. Michigan has more than 300 named rivers, so the awards pool seemed large enough. We solicited nominations from readers for seven categories and then whittled those down to five river nominations per category. Then it was time to vote.

Now that the results are in, it's clear Michiganders have a favorite. One single river was voted the best for paddling, floating, paddle-in camping and fishing.

But it wasn't a complete shutout. The categories for most underrated river, most improved river and best riverwalk or riverside trail let some other rivers bask in the sunlight.

Most underrated river

Winner: Jordan River (Northern Michigan)

The Jordan River is a scenic, narrow, coldwater stream known for its water clarity and wildlife. It runs from the Jordan River Valley, where hikers go to view fall colors, through marshy areas popular for birdwatching and into Lake Charlevoix in East Jordan. There are rafting trips offered on it in the winter. "Hands down. The Jordan is incredible, and it does not get nearly enough credit or publicity," said Petoskey resident John Lennon.

Runner-up: Sturgeon River (western Upper Peninsula)

The Sturgeon River, located in Baraga and Houghton counties, flows through state and national forests and a rocky gorge that may have Lower Peninsula visitors thinking they are in a different state. There are multiple waterfalls including Sturgeon Falls and Canyon Falls. This river is not to be confused with at least two other Sturgeon Rivers in the state, one also located in the western Upper Peninsula and another located in the Lower Peninsula.

Most improved river

Winner: Boardman River (northwest Lower Peninsula)

It's estimated that 2 million visitors come to the Boardman each year for paddling, fishing, hiking and more. Yet for more than 100 years, dams fragmented the Traverse City-area river, increasing sediment and the water's temperature. Then, starting in the early 2000s, the Boardman underwent a major project involving the removal of three dams and uncovering around seven miles of buried streams. Now, the river's rocky bottom and cold water better support insects and trout.

Best river for paddling

Winner: Au Sable River (northern Michigan)

The Au Sable (sometimes spelled AuSable) flows from the Grayling area across the middle half of the mitt, winding past stretches of forest, houses, dams and campsites before emptying into Lake Huron at Oscoda. Voters said the relatively wide river is Michigan's best for paddling because it offers several public access points, is challenging in places and yet is still approachable for beginners. "Where else in Michigan can you paddle 120 miles camping and sightseeing along the way?" asked Grayling resident Wayne Koppa. "Oh, there are probably a couple other rivers but none more storied than the Au Sable."

The river hosts the annual Au Sable River Canoe Marathon in which paddlers literally run into the water at Grayling in the evening and finish more than 100 miles away in Oscoda the next day.

Best river to float down

Winner: Au Sable River (northern Michigan)

This relatively clear river is gentle with a dependable flow and wide in many places. People said the scenery and multiple put-in points were a couple of the reasons it's the best river in the state to float down. "It's beautiful, calming and easy," said Laura Jodice, a South Carolina resident who weighed in.

Best river for fishing

Winner: Au Sable River (northern Michigan)

The coldwater river is one of America's premier trout fisheries and also supports a strong steelhead run. There's a stretch known as the "Holy Waters" where only fly fishing and catch-and-release are allowed. Voters praised the Au Sable for its easy wading, abundant fish habitat and healthy populations of aquatic insects that provide food for fish. It's "the bluest of the blue-ribbon streams," said Ken Wallace, of Bloomfield Hills.

Best river for paddle-in camping

Winner: Au Sable River

There are more than a hundred campsites along the Au Sable River, including 102 rustic, dispersed sites on a 55-mile portion, the AuSable River State Forest Campground and Canoe Camp and Keystone Landing State Forest Campground.

Voters said paddle-in camping on the Au Sable feels wild and you can easily go for a week and create a lifetime of memories. Some felt it was such an obvious choice that it needed no explanation. "Duh?" was all that Joseph Gentry, of Alpena, said about his vote.

River with the best riverwalk or riverside trail

Winner: Detroit River

Perhaps it's not a huge surprise that the river named Best Riverwalk in the United States three years in a row would win a statewide contest, but this race was actually a close one. The Detroit River was neck-and-neck with the Manistee River, but ultimately the Detroit River won by a percentage point.