Best places to kayak this fall in Southwest Michigan
Summer kayaking in Southwest Michigan is great. But if you want a peak experience on our waters, take in our breathtaking fall foliage and wildlife! Paddling along our waterways this season offers stunning views you won't experience at any other time of year. Here’s where to paddle this fall.
Where to Kayak and Canoe
Christiana Creek, Edwardsburg
Launch from: Juno Lake Access on the south end of the lake
Finish: Redfield Access south of Edwardsburg
Miles/ time: 2 hours, 5 miles
Notes: This easy paddling route offers scenic views of nature. You can also launch in Juno Lake and paddle around the three connected lakes — Juno, Christiana, and Painter.
Nearby Activities: Visit Edwardsburg for local fall activities, including apple picking at nearby farms. The area also offers access to scenic trails and outdoor activities within Cass County Parks.
Dr. T.K. Lawless Park features seven miles of hiking and 10 miles of mountain biking trails. It’s renowned for its dense woodlands and natural beauty. At night, it is the site of one of only three International Dark Sky Parks in Michigan. Check the dark sky schedule for extended hours of stargazing.
Fred Russ Forest County Park has four miles of hiking trails and over four miles of equestrian trails through the forest. Dowagiac Creek which flows through the park is a Class-A trout fishing stream that novices to experienced anglers enjoy catching brown, brook, and rainbow trout in.
Arthur Dodd Memorial Park includes a one-mile hiking trail along Dowagiac Creek offering opportunities for birdwatching and observing local wildlife. The creek is a Class-A trout fishing stream so bring your rod and dry flies for in-season fishing.
Dowagiac River, Dowagiac
Launch from: Wetlands at the head of the river off of Dowagiac Dutch Settlement Road
Finish: At the same location as launching
Miles/ time: 1.5 hours
Nearby Activities: Dowagiac is the hub for fall fun in Cass County. Downtown shopping, a history museum, restaurants, and the Under the Harvest Moon Festival in October await. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary, featuring 2.5 miles of trails showcasing native plant species. Additionally, Southwestern Michigan College’s Roadrunner Trails offer six miles of the best cross-country trails in the region.
A favorite place for award-winning brews and fall comfort foods is Sister Lakes Brewery. Its two outdoor biergartens, live music, standup comedy, euchre games, and trivia nights are the perfect end to a fall day on the river.
Galien River Marsh Water Trail, New Buffalo
Launch from: Galien River Access off of Red Arrow Highway, east of New Buffalo
Finish: At the same location as launching
Miles/ time: 2.5 to 4 hours
Notes: This peaceful, easy route takes you through the Galien River, wetlands, and onto Lake Michigan. Your time will vary depending on how long you spend in each spot and how far you go.
Nearby Activities: New Buffalo and Union Pier offer fall activities, fine dining options, and breathtaking views. When you’re not paddling, Warren Dunes State Park hiking trails offer some of the best fall foliage and spectacular views of Lake Michigan from its towering dunes. Enjoy Galien River County Park’s canopy walk, one of the area’s few treetop views of the wetlands and woods. For an awe-inspiring sunset walk, stroll the wooden walkway at New Buffalo Beach & Lakefront Park.
Gather your friends for craft beer and a hauntingly good time at Ghost Isle Brewery. For some of the finest dining in the area, visit Timothy's Restaurant known for unique flavorful cocktails and fresh seafood.
Paw Paw River, Benton Harbor
Launch from: Riverside Kayak Park on Coloma Road
Finish: Graham Avenue boat launch in Benton Harbor
Miles/ time: 4 to 5 hours
Notes: This launch is wheelchair accessible so everyone can come kayaking! A unique bench mechanism leads to a rolling launch into the Paw Paw River. Within a few minutes, you’ll paddle with the current around bends of beautiful fall foliage. It’s a navigable ride for all skill levels, but stay alert for overhanging branches and fallen logs in the water.
Nearby Activities: In Benton Harbor popular local restaurants include North Pier Brewery, located a short walk from the river, The Livery renowned for its craft brews and pizzas, Anemel, which serves Tex-Mex cuisine or Brick House for a smash burger. Visitors can explore historic sites like Eden Springs, which offers seasonal haunted train rides. The Water Street Glassworks gallery features collectible glassblown pumpkins in the Benton Harbor Arts District.
St. Joseph River, Berrien Springs/St. Joseph
Launch from: Shamrock Park in Berrien Springs
Finish: Riverside Park in St. Joseph
Miles/ time: 5 hours
Notes: This scenic route along the St. Joseph River is filled with trees on either side of the river. Beginners should have no issues on this easier route, and if you’re really feeling it, you can continue a few more miles until the St. Joseph River connects to the Paw Paw River in Benton Harbor.
Nearby Activities: In Berrien Springs, enjoy apple picking and selecting pumpkins at Stover's Farm Market & U Pic, which offers seasonal produce and a farm market. Love Creek County Park provides hiking and biking trails through forested areas and is known for birdwatching opportunities. Wolf's Prairie Park features open green spaces for walking and benches to sit and enjoy Lake Chapin’s fall color.
Lake Michigan, St. Joseph/ Benton Harbor
Launch from: Public beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline, including Tiscornia Park, Jean Klock Park, Lions Park Beach, and Silver Beach County Park.
Finish: Paddle along the shoreline and land on one of many public beaches.
Miles/ time: However long/far you’d like
Notes: You should see plenty of fall color along the bluff and on the dunes! Only go on days when the water is still and always avoid big waves. Lake Michigan can be dangerous and fall storms come up quickly. Check the wave height before you head out using this buoy cam.
Nearby Activities: In St. Joseph, visitors can view the St. Joseph Lighthouse from a kayak on Lake Michigan. The St. Joe Farmers Market offers local produce, cheese, fall decorations, and treats on Saturdays through October. Wine tasting is available at Lazy Ballerina Winery and White Pine Winery in the downtown shopping area. The Market on Main Street provides a selection of specialty foods, local products, and beverages.
Tips for Planning Your Southwest Michigan Kayaking Trip
When to See the Best Fall Color
Typically the leaves start changing in early September, peaking by mid-October. You can still catch some color as late as early November. We run a weekly fall color report from mid-September to late October to make timing your paddling trip easier.
What to Wear for Fall Kayaking
When kayaking in the fall, it's important to dress appropriately to stay warm, dry, and safe. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer of synthetic materials or wool to keep sweat away from your skin. Add an insulating mid-layer, such as fleece or wool, to retain body heat. Choose a waterproof and windproof jacket for the outer layer to protect against splashes, rain, and wind. Consider wearing a wetsuit, dry suit, or waterproof paddling jacket and pants if you expect rough water. A spray skirt can help keep water out of your kayak.
Footwear should be water-resistant and provide good traction. Neoprene boots or water shoes are ideal for warmth, protection and flexibility in the kayak. Bring extra dry clothing in a waterproof bag — our fall weather can change quickly from dry and sunny to rainy.
A life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) is essential — ensure it is comfortable, well-fitted, and designed for paddling to allow a full range of motion. Attach a whistle or safety light to your PFD for added safety.
Kayak Rentals
If you plan to rent a kayak on the weekend, Third Coast Paddling has rental locations on the Paw Paw River and New Buffalo from September until mid-October. Rentals are also available on weekends at Doe Wah Jack's Canoe Rental in Dowagiac.
Fishing
This is the season for cooler water temperatures and fish actively feeding before winter arrives. Popular rivers for fall fishing include St. Joseph, Paw Paw, and Dowagiac, which are known for species such as smallmouth bass, walleye, and pike. Kayaks provide access to quieter areas that may be less accessible to larger boats.
Earn Rewards on the Trails Challenge
Beautiful fall scenery and tranquil moments away from a hectic life may be all the motivation you need to kayak in Southwest Michigan. But here is another incentive — the first 100 people to complete our Southwest Michigan Trails Challenge — will earn a branded belt bag and commemorative sticker. To qualify is as easy as visiting five different water or land trails — doable in three to four days.
Where to Stay
After a few hours of paddling and trying new activities, you will be ready for a good night’s sleep. Our lodgings have the amenities, friendly service, and rates you and your traveling companions want. Make your reservations early to get the getaway dates you want. The best fall days are coming soon.
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