About
Maple River, Michigan — 1882 Thumb Area, Maple Syrup Heritage. From Brutus to Burt Lake, the Maple River winds 35 miles through Emmet and Charlevoix counties at an average of 100 CFS. The upper 15 miles from Brutus to Pellston cut through cedar swamp in a narrow, winding channel that requires some maneuvering around downed timber. Below Pellston, the river widens over the final 20 miles, developing a riffle-and-pool structure that carries paddlers toward Burt Lake. Optimal flows run 50–200 CFS on gauge 04114603. The Odawa and Ojibwe peoples held this territory in the Straits Region before European contact. In 2010, the river became part of an inland waterway paddle trail expansion connecting northern Michigan waters.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.