The Jordan River flows roughly 33 miles through Antrim and Charlevoix counties before emptying into the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix at East Jordan. It's spring-fed with several tributary creeks feeding cold water into the main stem. From Lake Charlevoix, water flows through the short Pine River channel into Lake Michigan at Charlevoix — connecting this small wild river to the Great Lakes system.
Is the Jordan River good for kayaking?
What fish are in the Jordan River?
Where is the Jordan River in Michigan?
Can beginners kayak the Jordan River?
Are there campgrounds on the Jordan River?
Where do you launch on the Jordan River?
Can you float the Jordan River in winter?
Is there hiking along the Jordan River?
Is the Jordan River swimmable?
The Jordan River is Michigan's first state-designated Natural River — a fast, cold, crystal-clear stream that flows about 33 miles through Antrim and Charlevoix counties before emptying into Lake Charlevoix's South Arm at East Jordan. This isn't a lake in the traditional sense; it's a river system with five launch points that serve as put-ins and take-outs for what many paddlers consider the best recreational kayaking river in northern Lower Michigan. The current is steady and swift, the water stays cold year-round, and the corridor passes through old-growth forest and the Jordan River Valley — a protected watershed that feels genuinely wild.
Brook trout are the headline species here — the cold, clean water supports a quality fishery that draws fly anglers from across the state. Locals at Boyne Outfitters will tell you dry flies outperform nymphs. The river is also popular for tubing, canoeing, and even winter rafting with outfitters like JV Outfitters running guided trips. The Graves Crossing to Webster Bridge section is the classic paddle — scenic but not beginner-friendly, with downed trees and a current that demands basic maneuvering skills. State forest campgrounds at Graves Crossing and Pinney Bridge put you right on the water. Nearby landmarks include Deadman's Hill overlook, the Jordan River Fish Hatchery, and the Jordan River Pathway hiking trail.