Flint River Flint River
Canoeing Guide
Welcome to the Flint river guide! This is designed to help you enjoy canoeing on the scenic Flint river in Genesee County . Following a brief historical overview of the Flint river area and an introduction to canoeing on the Flint river, the guide divides the river into trips that you can easily complete in a day or less. The trip descriptions begin at Holloway Dam, at the Eastern side of the county, and continue to the Saginaw county border in the Northwest corner of Genesee County. Many of these trips can be modified based on your needs (i.e. you can canoe upstream or in a loop in many places). The starting and finishing points of each of the eight trips are identified by canoe access sites. The hard copy of this guide, which includes maps, is available at the Genesee County MSU Extension office or the Genesee District Library.
If you have any contributing information regarding canoe trips, hiking trails, wildlife in the area, or other sites of interest, please contact Darren Bagley.
- Historical Overview
Canoeing Overview
Trip #1 - Holloway Dam to Irish Road
Trip #2 - Irish Road to Genesee Road
Trip #3 - Genesee Road to Stepping Stone Falls
Trip #4 - Bray Road to Downtown Flint
Downtown Flint
Trip #5 - Third Avenue to Flushing Riverside Park
Trip #6 - Flushing Riverside Park to Mt. Morris Road
Trip #7 - Mt. Morris Road to Vienna Road
Trip #8 - Vienna Road to Morseville Road
When fur trappers entered central Michigan in the early 1800s the Ojibiwe had for many generations hunted, fished and inhabited the densely-forested banks of the river they called Pewonigowink. The fur trappers represented the beginning of the migration of colonists into the region, significantly altering the future of the native people and the Flint river.
In 1819 Jacob Smith established a trading post where the Detroit to Saginaw military road crossed the Flint River near the current downtown Flint. Fur trading was on the decline by the 1830s but by this time many settlers from upstate New York were arriving, establishing farms, homesteads and towns along the river.
During the 1850s the American lumber boom began. This brought an influx of capitol and labor into the region. The demands of the lumber industry for goods and transportation established, among other enterprises, a strong carriage industry.
When lumbering declined in 1876 there were skilled laborers and a surplus of cash for investment in local industry. William Durant, grandson of lumber magnate Henry Crapo, saw opportunity in the carriage industry. He acquired the patent for a lightweight two-wheeled road cart and ultimately established a factory on the river to mass-produce these vehicles with the first assembly line.
By 1903 Durant sought to diversify. During this time a plumber named David Buick was tinkering with an internal combustion engine. His experiments became known to W. H. Whiting, who wanted to motorize a carriage. These two men went to Durant for financial backing. Eventually, this association would lead to the founding of General Motors, which would effect Flint and the usage of the Flint river for decades to come.
Although during its history the Flint River was used at times for transportation and recreation, these activities took a back seat to progress. From the advent of logging to the environmental awareness of the 1960s and 70s, the river's quality steadily declined under the pressures of industrialization and urbanization. The past twenty-five years have seen a reverse in this trend. The river is now seen by many as a valuable resource which deserves another look as a source of recreation. We hope that, by using the Flint River Canoe Guide, you will agree.
Canoeing can be a safe and rewarding activity if you follow some basic guidelines: 1) canoe in pairs or groups; 2) use flotation devices; 3) canoe during daylight; 4) avoid alcohol; 5) dress appropriately for the weather; 6) use caution near rocks, rapids and submerged objects; 7) bring only non-glass containers (glass can break and cut wildlife and people); 8) leave no trace (i.e. take all your trash with you); 9) take water, food, sunglasses and sunscreen (or a hat).
The Flint river can be divided into three basic segments in Genesee County: the Eastern segment from Holloway reservoir to Stepping Stone falls, the urban corridor from Mott dam to Interstate 75 (on the West side of Flint) and the suburban-rural route that turns Northwest from I-75 through Flushing to the Saginaw County line.
The Eastern segment is narrow (except in Holloway reservoir and Mott lake), slow and deep enough for unobstructed canoeing throughout the year. (You can canoe either way in this section, since the flow is generally very slow). Most of the shoreline is publicly owned by Genesee County or the City of Flint parks departments. You will be surrounded by beautiful forests and wetlands housing an array of wildlife.
The urban corridor is similar in flow characteristics to the Eastern
section. Although near city noises, factories, and houses, the river banks
are tree-lined and wildlife is found along the river 
(even close to downtown Flint). In downtown Flint, numerous dams
and concrete walls have contained the river, making it unsuitable for canoeing
but enjoyable as a park. Beyond Mott Park Golf Course, the river quickly
becomes more natural and quiet. Most of the riverbank in this stretch is
private property.
Downstream from I-75 in the suburban-rural section, the river widens, becomes shallower and contains numerous islands, steep banks, small rapids and large boulders, especially between Flushing and Vienna road. Past Montrose the river narrows gradually narrows and deepens as it enters the scenic farmlands of Saginaw County.
Wildlife is abundant along each segment of the river. It is a bird-watchers delight, throughout the entire length of the river. Common birds include great blue herons, ducks, kingfishers, geese, wood ducks, cedar waxwings, swallows, blackbirds, and gulls. You may see shorebirds, cormorants, hawks, and owls on occasion. In the spring, look for warblers, baltimore orioles, rose breasted grosbeak, kingbirds, and nesting wood ducks. In the fall, you will see many migrating geese and ducks. Keep your eyes open for deer, raccoon, beaver, muskrat, fox, otter and skunk. Just South of Vienna Road, bison roam an old landfill next to the river. The river also hosts numerous fish, including panfish, bass, carp, walleye and even coho salmon (a 22 pound salmon was caught in downtown Flint in the fall of 1997!).
Time: 2 1/2 hours
Access #1 - Holloway Dam
Access directions:
Holloway Dam Canoe Access and Fishing site - off Carr road North of 
Stanley,
East of Oak
Access amenities: paved parking, trench toilet
Access location and description: Moderate access 30 yards down a steep trail to left of parking lot to a small, sandy/gravelly area downstream of the dam overflow area.
Trip description: The river meanders through low-lying mixed hardwood stands with occasional steep banks. You will soon pass under the Oak Road Bridge and enter a wooded, isolated area. The river is narrow, but navigable, and may be partially obstructed by fallen trees. Just beyond the next bridge, which is M-15 or State Road, you will pass several houses and meander past clay banks and steep ridges while entering Richfield Park. You will recognize the park when you see many boulders and rocks lining the river banks. The park contains several landing sites if you wish to take a break. As you continue through the park, you will pass under a suspended foot bridge and a vehicle bridge. Approximately 1/2 hour downstream from there, you will arrive at the Irish Road Bridge and access site. The access site is a sandy beach, just upstream of the bridge on the right (Northeast) side.
Sites of interest nearby: Holloway Reservoir, Richfield park (access sites near footbridge, picnic, hiking, BMX track, water, toilets)
Access #1a - Wolverine Campground
and Buttercup Beach
Access directions: Mt. Morris Road, south on Baxter Road.
Access amenities: Parking, fees for campground, free beach, picnic sites, handicap access, camp store, water, phone, camping, swimming, hiking, and water sports.
Access location and description: easy access down a gentle slope.
Access #1b - Walleye Boat Ramp
Access directions: - Off Henderson Road.
Access amenities: parking, seasonal fee ($2/car; $4/car and trailer), concession (summer), toilets, hiking, cement boat ramp, dock, beach. Open all year.
Access location and description: Easy access 10 yards to a dock and boat ramp.
Time: 2 hours
Access #2 - Irish Road
Access directions: NE side of bridge off of Irish Road, North of Coldwater Road
Access amenities: dirt parking lot
Access location and description: Easy access 15 yards down a gentle slope to a sandy
beach 
area
just east of the parking area.
Trip description: This section of the river is similar to that described in Trip #1, although after about 45 minutes, the river begins to slow. Its widens into a grassy, wetland area; the beginning of Mott Lake. There are many opportunities to fish and bird watch through this section. Wind and waves may be a factor in the open water. Continue under the Genesee Road Bridge to the access just to the left (Southwest side).
Access #2a - Optional access: off of Stanley Road, just North of Genesee road. This has a dock, cement ramp and parking.
Sites of interest nearby: Crossroads Village, Mott Farm, Mott Lake, Bluebell Beach, Stepping Stone Falls (picnic, hiking, water, toilets); Village of Genesee (food)
Time: 2 hours
Access #3: Genesee Road
Access directions:
Southwest side of bridge and causeway off of Genesee Road, just North of
Stanley
Road.
Access amenities: dirt parking lot, toilet, dock. Open all year.
Access location and description: moderate access 15 yards down a grass/dirt slope to a dock or small beach area.
Trip description: As you paddle to Stepping Stone Falls, explore inlets, fish, stop for a picnic or swim at Bluebell Beach. Any of the trips on Mott lake can be a loop trip, eliminating the need for two vehicles. Wind and waves may be a factor in the open water. Continue downstream (South) until you reach either Bluegill Boat Launch or Stepping Stone Falls picnic area on your left. Do not approach the dam. It can be very dangerous.
Access #3a - Optional access: Bluegill boat launch 
Access directions: Two access roads off of Genesee and Coldwater Roads, North of Carpenter and South of Stanley.
Access amenities: Parking, seasonal fee, dock, cement ramp, picnic tables, toilets, bike/hike trails; handicap accessible. Open seasonally.
Access location and description: Easy access 10 yards to the dock or boat ramp.
Access #3b: Stepping Stone Falls
Access directions: Off Branch road north of Carpenter Road.
Access amenities: No fee, concession, water, toilets. Open seasonally.
Access location and description: Easy access 20 yards across a flat lawn to a dock or grassy bank.
Sites of interest nearby: Crossroads Village, Mott Farm, Mott Lake, Bluebell Beach (off Bray road North of Carpenter Road), seasonal, no fee, concession, water, toilets; Stepping Stone Falls; Village of Genesee (food); biking/hiking trails.
Time: 2 1/2 hours or more
Access #4: Bray Road
Access directions: Off Bray Road just north of Carpenter Road and NW of bridge.
Access amenities: Parking. Open all year.
Access location and description: Easy access 20 yards across flat area to a grassy bank or small beach to the left.
Trip description: The
river is relatively wide and deep throughout this section with wetland and
forested
areas especially in the upper section. As you approach a large water tower,
traffic noise from nearby roads will increase, although even this area teems
with wildlife. As it continues into the Buick industrial corridor, you will
pass under the Utah Dam. If debris or high water make passage dangerous,
you can easily portage around the dam on the right bank. On the right (West)
side, you will soon reach the Vietnam Veteran's Park access (see below).
You can also continue downstream to the Farmer's Market access on the left
(East) side (see below). Between this point and Mott Park especially
below UM-Flint, canoeing is not recommended because of Hamilton Dam, steep
cement walls, an inflatable dam and the lack of access sites.
Access #4a: Vietnam Veteran's Park
Access directions:
Off J.P. Cole Boulevard North of 5th Ave. 
Access amenities: Parking, dock, cement boat ramp, open all year.
Access location and description: Easy access 10 yards to a dock and boat ramp.
Access #4b: Farmer's Market.
Access directions:
Off Boulevard Drive just North of 5th Ave. (across from Farmers' Market)
Access amenities: Parking lot at Farmer's market. Dock for viewing, food, phone available at Farmer's Market (open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays); open all year.
Access location and description: No formal landing site. The easiest access is at a grassy area just to the upstream side of the dock. The parking lot is just across the road.
Sites of interest nearby: Farmers Market, UM-Flint, Downtown Businesses, Cultural Center (museums).
Time: 4 1/2 hours
Access #5: Third Avenue Bridge
Access directions: Off of 3rd Avenue, east of Ballenger
Access amenities:
Parking at Golf Course on Nolan Drive, or next to Water Plant on Third Avenue.
Golf Course 
has concession, toilets, water. Open all year. Club
House open seasonally.
Access location and description: moderate access down a short 20 yards, narrow trail to a beach on the Northeast side of the bridge.
Trip description: This section starts in Mott Park, passes through urban residential/small business areas and quickly becomes more rural after it passes the Ballenger Road Bridge. Downstream of Ballenger, this section is surprisingly country-like as it meanders through Flint Township toward the I-75 bridge. You will eventually pass under the Mill Road Bridge and into a slower, shallower section with boulders and occasional islands. Steeper bluffs appear on each side of the river past Linden Road. A boat launch on the left side belongs to the City of Flint Wastewater Treatment Facility. The bluffs are less abrupt as you approach the Elms Road Bridge and enter the Flushing Valley Golf Course (private). This section is broad and shallow with sandstone bedrock on the river bed. After passing a footbridge at the golf course, bluffs again rise on the right and left as you approach and enter Flushing. Look for the bandstand on the right as your landmark for Flushing's Riverview park, downtown Flushing and the access site. Take out your canoe upstream of the bandstand next to the large trees.
Access #5a: Option - Mott Park
Access directions: Off of Nolan drive North of 3rd Avenue.
Access amenities: Parking at Golf Course on Nolan Drive, or next to Water Plant on Third Avenue; Golf Course has concession, toilets, water. Open seasonally.
Access location and description: Moderate access down short 25 yard narrow trail at the end of the dirt parking lot to a clear area near large trees next to river.
Sites of interest nearby: Flushing Historical Museum, Historic Downtown Flushing, Local businesses.
Time: 2 hours
Access #6: Flushing Riverside Park
Access directions: Off of Cherry Street South of Main Street, downtown Flushing.
Access amenities:
Parking; picnic; playscape; toilets; pool; volleyball; summer concerts and
festivals;
downtown Flushing 1 block away. Open all year.
Access location and description: Easy but long (70 yards) access across lawn to the left (East) side of the bandstand next to the large trees.
Trip description: This trip is generally wide, shallow and scenic, with alternating slow and swift sections. Downstream of Flushing the river winds past small businesses and houses, mostly surrounded by trees. Outside of Flushing, there are less houses and more wooded banks and islands. Several areas have small rapids, especially when the water is high. These can be challenging when the water is low due to the number of rocks. This trip provides excellent habitat for a variety of birds and wildflowers, especially in the early spring. The river maintains similar characteristics as it reaches the Mt. Morris Bridge and access. The access is a bank to the right (East) of the bridge just before you cross under it.
Access #6a: Optional access - Flushing Park
Access directions: Off McKinley Road, North of Main Street, Flushing.
Access amenities: Parking, picnic, water, tennis and basketball courts, soccer field, hiking and cross country skiing trails, toilets. Recommended only as a stop-off during a trip, since steep bluffs make it difficult to carry a canoe. Open all year during daylight.
Access location and description: 15 minutes from Riverview Park, look for a bend in the river to the left. Flushing Park is on the right (North) side of the river. As the riverbanks straighten, look for undeveloped landing sites near large trees. If you've reached an electrical station, you've gone too far. Trails along the riverbank lead up to the park.
Sites of interest nearby: Flushing Historical Museum, Historic Downtown Flushing, Local businesses.
Time: 2 hours
Access #7: Mt. Morris Road
Access directions: On Mt. Morris Road west of McKinley Road
Access amenities:
Parking (on bridge); food, water, gas, toilet at convenience stores at 
intersection
of McKinley and Mt. Morris. Open all year.
Access location and description: Moderate to difficult access on Southeast side of bridge (upstream side) down a steep hill. Take canoe over guardrail and carry down at an angle for 30 yards through grass to the riverbank.
Trip description: This trip is similar to trip #5, with a wide, shallow, rocky riverbed and scenic woods, islands, fields and bluffs. About 200 yards downstream from the bridge is the new Flushing Township Nature Park (see access #7a). While generally wooded, the river passes by some farmed areas and homes before high bluffs appear on either bank as you approach Vienna Road. Just before the end of the trip, you will notice a large, high fence on the right bank. You may spot some bison on the hill (old landfill) above the fence. Just before you reach the Vienna Road Bridge exit on the right (Southeast) side at a small clearing in the bank.
Access #7a - Optional access: Flushing Township Nature Park
Access directions: Entrance off of McKinley Road 1/4 mile north of Mt. Morris Road
Access amenities: Stop off for hiking; water, toilets, nature center, hiking, canoe landing.
Access location and description: Look for any convenient landing site about 200 yards North of the bridge on the right (East) side.
Sites of interest nearby: Downtown Montrose businesses, Montrose Orchards.
Time: 2 1/2 hours
Access #8: Seymour Road
Access directions: On Seymour Road about 500 yards South of Vienna Road
Access amenities:
Access #8a: Vienna Road
Access directions: On Vienna Road West of McKinley Road.
Access amenities: Parking, phone, toilet, food in Montrose, just west of bridge.
Access location and description: Moderate access Southeast (upstream) side of bridge.
Either 
drive
or carry canoe down rough access road to steep bank. Park on flat area above
access road. Open all year.
Trip description: The river begins in the same manner as in the trip #7. Eventually it slows down, becomes deeper and passes more farm land along the way. The river passes wooded banks, wetland areas, an old steel bridge and open farm land. Once you pass under the Birch Run Road Bridge, look for a sandy beach with a trail and road leading away from it about 100 yards downstream on the right (East) side.
Access #8b: Morseville Road
Access directions:
100 yards North of Birch Run Road Bridge off Morseville Road 
Access amenities: Parking along NW side of Morseville Road across from first house.
Access location and description: Moderate access 40 yards down rough road to a sandy beach.
Sites of interest nearby: Downtown Montrose, Montrose Orchards.
