Airport Road Boat Launch

There's no ramp here — zero lanes, zero trailer capacity. This is a kayak and canoe put-in with stairs cut into the bank and a small sandy spot at the water's edge. You're launching directly into the current, so be ready. Maybe a rowboat if you're determined, but anything bigger is a no-go.

The Thornapple between here and Middleville is choked with fallen trees. You'll be climbing over, dragging around, and ducking under logs for much of the float. That roughly five-hour paddle to the Middleville dam can grind you down mentally — the last half-mile some folks just bail out and walk. Until the state clears it, treat this as an adventure run, not a relaxing float.

The lot is spacious enough that you won't have trouble finding a spot, even on a summer weekend. There's room for a shuttle vehicle and drop-offs. An outhouse is on-site too, though its condition is hit or miss.

The bank is steep but manageable if you're carrying a kayak or canoe. The cut-in stairs help, but you can also just slide your boat down the bank to the sandy launch area. It's only big enough for maybe two boats at a time, so if another group is staging, you'll need to wait.