With two major waterways -- the Kalamazoo River and the Battle Creek River -- Calhoun County is a great spot to use your kayak. Here are easy access points throughout the county:

Brownswood Road

Locals like to use a spot at the end of Brownswood Drive, near the Albion River Trail. It’s a great spot to put in your kayak and paddle all the way to Marengo Township. There’s not much at the launch site, except for some municipal buildings. MAP

Porter Street

Find a launch site in downtown Albion, off of Porter Street. You’ll have to park at Stoffer Plaza and carry your boat across a foot bridge to the other side of the river. MAP

Bailey Park

There’s more than baseball diamonds at Bailey Park. Launch your kayak into the Battle Creek River at the park and paddle your way to downtown. Bailey Park also has a dog park, playground and picnic areas with grills. MAP

Linear Path (Kellogg House)

You’ll have to carry your kayak from the parking lot located at the Kellogg House, but it’s easy to put a boat into the river on the shore. This part of the river is unique, because you’ll head through the urban area of Battle Creek, paddling past murals, the old train station and Kellogg World Headquarters. MAP

Historic Bridge Park

This is a popular spot to start or end your kayak journey on the Kalamazoo River. There’s a launch designed specifically for kayaks -- just aim for the metal ramp and you won’t even get your feet wet. The park has picnic tables, grills, bathrooms and a playground. MAP

Paddlers Grove

It’s tucked away, but you can find a kayak launch in this small park on the Battle Creek River. You’ll find it is much less busy than Historic Bridge Park and there’s a bathroom. But you also have to carry your kayak up to the parking lot. MAP

Marshall Riverwalk

Parking is easy, with plenty of spaces located at the Marshall Recreation Department. If you need an extra kayak or canoe, or if you want to try floating down the Kalamazoo River on a tube, the recreation department offers rentals. They’ll also make arrangements to pick you up at Bridge Park. Call 269-781-5166 for more information. MAP

Ceresco Green Boat Launch

You’ll have to carry your kayak down a hill to get to the river, but this is one of best spots to start your trip. We recommend launching here and ending at Paddlers Grove for an easy trip that lasts about two hours (maybe a little longer if you don’t do much paddling and let the current carry you). It’s a peaceful stretch of the Kalamazoo River and you’ll see lots of wildlife. MAP