Michigan whitewater, Ford River Delta county, Highway 2 to Highway 35 section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-III     7.75 miles   I have done the Ford River both this year and last. Last year we went with 1 canoe and 4 kayaks in mid-summer. Even being a wet summer the river was low, and we spent most of our time walking. This year, however, we had the trip of our lives in mid-spring. With only 6 kayaks and at least 2 feet more water this trip took us about 3 hours, even with stopping before most sets of rapids and tracking down a lost kayak. Highly recommend for and     intermediate or better kayaker. Says Valerie If anyone is planning on taking the Ford River from Hyde to the mouth in Escanaba you should be aware that the river is very low. I spent more time on the rocks pulling through my kayak than in the water. Not a pleasant trip. Says Ann Mayrand The put-in location is a short drive from Escanaba, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. The wonderful Delta County scenery and the playfulness of the water attract people from near and far. This stretch of Ford River in Delta County is 7.75 miles long and is rated by American Whitewater as a class II-III section. This section   is long enough to enjoy a good non stop paddle, it's good length for a morning trip. There are campgrounds quite near the river where you can camp. The average Michigan whitewater rafting or kayaking river tends to be a bit easier to master than those in other states, so better not forget that a large number of rivers in this state are quite easy. The Highway 2 to Highway 35 stretch is one of a few paddling stretches in this river system. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, in this general area you won't find many other paddling spots. A bit of exercise and spending some quality time in nature are great attractions for lots of people. Ford River, Highway 2 to Highway 35 road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Ford River.   Whitewater Near Ford River: Ford River, Delta County, 2 miles away       Class II-III - 7.75 miles long (Highway 2 to Highway 35) Escanaba River, Delta County, 15 miles away       Class II(III) - 17 miles long (Boney Falls Dam to CR420) Escanaba River, Marquette County, 22 miles away       Class I-II - 10 miles long (Highway Camp Ground to Boney Falls Basin)   Ski Areas Near Ford River: Gladstone Ski Park, Michigan , 13 miles away, 200 foot drop, 5 lifts, 6 runs Marquette, Michigan , 42 miles away, 600 foot drop, 4 lifts, 25 runs Norway Mountain, Michigan , 49 miles away, 500 foot drop, 6 lifts, 17 runs Hidden Valley, Wisconsin , 81 miles away, 200 foot drop, 3 lifts, 7 runs Homestead, Michigan , 92 miles away, 320 foot drop, 5 lifts, 15 runs Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Michigan , 99 miles away, 375 foot drop, 9 lifts, 45 runs   Marinas Near Ford River: Gladston City Harbor, Gladstone , 12 miles away   Hotels Near Ford River: Comfort Suites Escanaba, Escanaba , 5 miles away Magnuson Grand Pioneer Inn And, Escanaba , 6 miles away Country Hearth Inn Escanaba, Escanaba , 7 miles away Econo Lodge Escanaba, Escanaba , 7 miles away Super 8 Escanaba, Escanaba , 7 miles away   Campgrounds Near Ford River: Camp Seven Lake Campground - Hiawatha National Forest, Escanaba, 5 miles away Carp River Campground - Hiawatha National Forest, Escanaba, 5 miles away Colwell Lake Campground - Hiawatha National Forest, Escanaba, 5 miles away   Public Lands Near Ford River: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising - MI , 51 miles away J. W. Wells State Park, Michigan , 20 miles away Newport State Park, Wisconsin , 25 miles away Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin , 27 miles away   Golf Courses Near Ford River: Woody's Run, Escanaba , 4 miles away Highland Golf Club, Escanaba , 6 miles away Escanaba Country Club, Escanaba , 7 miles away   Lakes Near Ford River Lake Minnewasca, Delta , 12 miles away