Hell Area - Kayak Trip / Canoe Trip
Report Type: Destination Report
Nearest City: Hell, MI
Difficulty: Easy
Submitted by: JackVoss
Description:
This is a chain of lakes & canals. At the northeasterly end is the town of Hell. (Yes, I've been to Hell and back - several times.) Here is a water path that my buddy Charlie Parmelee showed me:
Put in on the northern shore of Bruin Lake at (N42° 25.330' W84° 02.434'), and paddle easterly to a channel leading to Watson Lake at (N42° 25.315' W84° 01.919'). The other end of the channel is at (N42° 25.319' W84° 01.742'). Paddle eastsoutheasterly to (N42° 25.261' W84° 01.441') a channel leading to Half Moon Lake. You will enter Half Moon Lake at (N42° 25.244' W84° 01.333').
Cross Half Moon Lake going northeasterly to a channel at the very far northeasterly corner of the lake (N42° 25.432' W84° 00.565'). The other end of the channel enters Hi Land Lake at (N42° 25.417' W83° 59.982'). Paddle southeaterly about 1/4 mile around a point of land, then turn northeasterly to (N42° 25.520' W83° 59.585'), a narrow spot in the lake.
Finish cross the lake bearing northnortheasterly to (N42° 25.999' W83° 59.338'). Take out and park near the dam. Walk Northeasterly a couple of a hundred yards to the "Dam Site Inn" for a dam good lunch.
There are many little lakes connected to this gaggle of ponds. Shoreline abounds with brush, cottages, fields, trees, marshes, etc. Since much of the shoreline looks somewhat like other parts of the shore, I STRONGLY recommend either a GPS and map, or a compass and a map. There are many spots to stop to fish, take pictures, eat snacks, etc.
Accommodations:
Bruin Lake State Park. Camping w/ restrooms & showers.
Fees:
State park permit. $5/day $20/year
Directions:
From Stockbridge MI, intersection of M-52 & M-106 ( N42° 27.064' W84° 10.794'): proceed easterly on M-106 for about 4.35 miles ( N42° 26.790' W84° 06.212'). Turn southeasterly onto Williamsville road, and go southeasterly for about 2.9 miles to its ending on Unidilla Road. Turn right (southerly) for about 100 feet, and immediately turn left onto Kasiser Road. Go through the tiny burg of Unidilla and travel 0.8 miles to the entrance to Bruin Lake State Park (N42° 25.782' W84° 02.454'), and turn right (southerly). Go to the gate, buy a permit, and go to the water.
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