Pine National Scenic River
In 1992, the US Forest Service designated the lower 26-miles of the Pine River as a National Scenic River. The Pine River provides a unique recreation experience for lower Michigan, supporting quality opportunities for a diversity of recreation activities in a relatively undeveloped setting. Canoeing and kayaking are the primary activities on this river, with much of the appeal being the fast water and light rapids. It is a designated "Blue Ribbon" cold-water trout stream, with fishing being the second most popular activity on the river. The Pine River has the fastest average flow of any river in lower Michigan.
Scenery is one of the most outstanding attributes of the river. The designated portion of the river contains a unique riparian landform with its deeply incised river channel and high, exposed sand banks. Diverse vegetation contributes to the overall "scenic" feel of the river. Tree species vary from cedar-hemlock, ash, elm, sugar and red maple, and basswood in the lowland portions to mixed oak, pine and aspen in the upland areas. There are small openings scattered throughout the corridor that provide habitat diversity for many species of wildlife.
Scenery is one of the most outstanding attributes of the river. The designated portion of the river contains a unique riparian landform with its deeply incised river channel and high, exposed sand banks. Diverse vegetation contributes to the overall "scenic" feel of the river. Tree species vary from cedar-hemlock, ash, elm, sugar and red maple, and basswood in the lowland portions to mixed oak, pine and aspen in the upland areas. There are small openings scattered throughout the corridor that provide habitat diversity for many species of wildlife.
Activities
Fishing
Species Include:
- Brook Trout
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
Floating
The Pine is a popular destination for Canoeing and kayaking, with an average river gradient of 7% making it the fastest average flow of any river in Michigan's lower peninsula.
Watercraft permits are required in the designated Wild and Scenic section of the river from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, and are available at recreation.gov. There is a recreation day use fee at the four boat launches and a camping fee at the campground.
- Lincoln Bridge to Elm Flats: 1.25 Hours; 3.3 Miles
- Elm Flats to Dobson Bridge: 2 Hours; 6.3 Miles
- Dobson Bridge to Peterson Bridge: 2 Hours; 6.2 Miles
- Peterson Bridge to Low Bridge: 3 Hours; 8 Miles
Watercraft permits are required in the designated Wild and Scenic section of the river from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, and are available at recreation.gov. There is a recreation day use fee at the four boat launches and a camping fee at the campground.