Carp (Marquette), Michigan, US

B) CR553 (Marquette Mtn.) to Hwy.41 (2.3 miles)

River Description

This is a wonderful, fairly continuous stretch. At low to moderate flows, it may be suitable for novice paddlers. At higher flows, it may be best reserved for aggressive intermediate-to-advanced paddlers (with appropriate caution and safety). There are no significant (named) drops which stand out, but the whole section is a rush if you catch it at high water (I.E., a "full pipe")! Due to fast current, narrow and winding stream, small to non-existent eddies, and high potential for strainers, the subjective rating of this section (at high water) is somewhat higher than the actual rapids would otherwise merit. (That is, the rapids still only rate class II-III, but you better have class III-IV skills and safety awareness.)

From CR553, there is 1.6 miles of unrelenting gradient at 114FPM, before things peter out for the flat-but-flowing 0.9mile paddle to the take-out. If the dirt road at the take-out is passable, it is possible to drive upstream to its cul-de-sac, thus cutting out most of the flatwater. At present there is a tree in the river and bright plastic tape tied around tree trunks at this point on the river, providing excellent markers for this spot. The parking is a short carry up a good path from the river.

Many boaters will combine this reach with a run on the (more challenging) upper. See Upper Carp for description of that reach.