Torch River Bridge Boat Launch

This is the launch people mean when they say they're going to the Torch Lake sandbar. It sits at the mouth of Torch River, practically in the lake itself — you're on the water and 5 minutes from the sandbar. That proximity is why it's the busiest launch on the lake and why summer weekends here are genuinely chaotic.

The DNR completed a major overhaul of this site in 2023–2024, adding a new entrance and exit off Southwest Torch Lake Drive, a new skid pier, expanded vehicle-with-trailer parking, and a dedicated carry-down launch with vehicle-only parking for kayakers and paddleboarders. It's a better site than it used to be — but it's still extremely busy.

Pre-renovation, boaters regularly spilled onto residential streets and got ticketed or towed. The expanded lot has helped, but the site still draws more traffic than it can comfortably handle on holiday weekends. The 4th of July is the worst day of the year here — Antrim County Sheriff has officers on-site directing traffic. If you're coming on a peak weekend, arrive before 9 AM or plan on waiting.

The Torch River bridge is narrow — worth knowing if you're towing a wide boat. Slow down on the approach, especially when oncoming traffic is present. Once you're under it and into the river, stay center — the channel is well-marked but shallows exist on both sides near the mouth.