Boardman River

A spirited, attractive stream that flows past conifer forests and northcountry cottages before emptying into Grand Traverse Bay. The Boardman ranks as one of the Lower Peninsula’s finest rivers for paddling. Possessed of a moderate current and a winding river corridor that passes through a broad valley of cedar, pine, and assorted hardwoods, it also features one of Lower Michigan’s rare bursts of light whitewater. Summer cottages line its banks as well, especially below Brown Bridge Dam. But despite these and other signs of civilization, the river still manages to conjure up a remote and peaceful vibe along a surprising amount of its length.