The Betsie River is a great river for beginner to novice paddlers. The main stream is roughly 52 miles long and runs it's course from Green Lake near Interlochen, Michigan and travels on a large Southwest to Northwest loop before running into Lake Betsie which empties into Lake Michigan

According to the Michigan DNR:
The entire Betsie River is canoeable from Green Lake to Lake Betsie but during extended summer droughts paddlers can expect to get their feet weet. Portages are necessary at the Thompsonville and Homestead Dams. The moderate to fast current of the Betsie makes it an enjoyable stream to canoe. Although there are numerous riffle areas, none would pose a threat to the average canoeist. The lower portion of the Betsie River is large enough to handle small outboards and these craft are used mostly during the spring and steelhead season.

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