At a Glance
- Mapleleaf Access: 1024 S. Taylor Rd, Branch Township, MI 49402
- Large cedar and hemlock trees line much of this stretch of river. Keep an eye out for turtles and bald eagles – wildlife is abundant here.
- River miles in this section: 4.6 miles
- Float time is approximately 2 hours
- For more information, view the Pere Marquette National Scenic River map (pdf).
Visitor Information
Note: Due to the federal designation of the Pere Marquette as a protected river, U.S. Forest Service permits are required for all watercraft (kayaks, canoes, tubes, etc.) between Memorial Day and Labor Day.Click here for more information or call 877-444-6777.
Mapleleaf access is a walk-in site and is located on Taylor Road about 15 miles northwest of Baldwin, and about 3 miles southeast of Walhalla. Restrooms are available at both Mapleleaf and Walhalla sites. No camping or picnic areas are available at either site. Fees apply at USFS sites, which includes the Mapleleaf site. There are amenities nearby along US-10 which is a few miles north as well as in Custer and Baldwin, nearby towns. Barothy Lodge has cabins for rent in this stretch of river.
What to See
Large cedar and hemlock trees line much of the river in stretch. Keep an eye out for turtles and bald eagles–wildlife is abundant here. This section of the river is wider and deeper and more popular with fisherman in boats as opposed to wading fisherman.
Conservation Value
The Pere Marquette River has exceptional water quality, relatively undamaged habitat, and scenic beauty. It is federally designated as a Wild & Scenic River and state designated as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. This medium sized river has a good current, is a renowned cold water fishery, and is the only undammed river in the Lake Michigan watershed. Conservation plays an important role in preserving the integrity of the river and surrounding forest as it prevents the subdivision of land and unmanaged timber cutting.
History
Through partnerships with families, the Land Conservancy has protected 4,465 acres of land and 31 miles of river frontage in the Pere Marquette River watershed. Along this particular stretch, the Land Conservancy worked with the Nerheim and Elliott families to secure their private properties in perpetuity with conservation easements.
