Emerick Park

Emerick Park provides boat ramp access to the Thunder Bay River in Hillman, located in Montmorency County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Thunder Bay River is a substantial waterway classified as a large river (Stream Order 6) with a drainage area of 1,169 square miles and an average flow of 914 cubic feet per second. The river features a moderate gradient of 4.3 feet per mile, which means boaters should expect a noticeable current rather than slack water conditions.

The river's characteristics make it suitable for various boating activities, though paddlers should be prepared for flowing water conditions. With an average velocity of 2.39 feet per second and a total elevation drop of 325 feet across its 76-mile length, the Thunder Bay River offers diverse paddling experiences depending on which section you access. The site's location at Hillman provides access to the lower-middle portions of the watershed, closer to the river's mouth than its headwaters.

Boaters using Emerick Park should be aware of the river's current and plan accordingly for their skill level and boat type. The park appears to be a public access point for the local community, making it a reasonable launching location for those looking to explore this significant Michigan river system.