Meandering its way for six kilometres from the village of Milford to Prince Edward Bay, the Black River is a pleasant paddle, whether by canoe or kayak. For much of the way, the route is remote, passing through areas of forest and farm pasture fields where horses and cattle may be seen pasturing.
Winding through an extensive cattail marsh, the river becomes more difficult to paddle as the warmer days of summer bring on an aquatic plant growth, typical of most wetland areas. However, a paddle during other times of the year can be a rewarding experience for the paddling enthusiast as numerous wetland birds including great blue herons, ducks, and green herons search for food in the shallows. From the depths come the mysterious sounds of marsh wrens, swamp sparrows and Virginia rails - species with a limited interested in introducing themselves to the paddler, preferring instead to skulk about in the cattail growths. A common yellowthroat is a bit more obliging, now and again appearing in the dogwoods, his black facial mask in sharp contrast to his bright yellow plumage. Blanding's turtles and painted turtles bask in the sun, soaking up the heat from an exposed floating log.
Across from a chalet cottage, just about the only human habitation one will see, until they reach the mouth of the river, the roar of Jackson's Falls can be heard, hidden behind the trees as the tributary carries the spring runoff from the neighbouring agricultural fields. As the paddler nears the mouth, the river widens and cottages and homes begin to appear along the shoreline as the county roads on either side draw closer to the river. A boat launch at Black River Cheese Factory allows one to drop in to this historic facility, the only remaining cheese factory in Prince Edward County, and browse through their extensive selection of cheese and local crafts.
For those eager to do a bit more exploring along the river's environs, one can venture out into Prince Edward Bay and view the towering limestone shoreline at McMahon's Bluff. This geological formation is actually known as a mesa, a high, flat forested tableland, more common in southwestern United States.
At only six kilometres, the river is short enough that it can be paddled both ways by leaving from County Road 13 at Black River. Current, for the most part, is imperceptible. Or, you can arrange to have a second person meet at either end to save a return trip. Access and parking at the Milford end is a bit more difficult. There is a short, narrow channel leading from the paved road at Milford (County Road 10) which leads into the main channel. The embankment here to the river is somewhat tricky, but not impossible. Vehicles can be left along the roadside provided they are well off the travelled portion. Another option would be to unload at the river's edge, then return the car to a more favourable parking spot along the street within the village of Milford, just a short walking distance away from the river.
Parking at the other end is available at the Black River Cheese Factory, but please seek permission first before doing so. There are areas near the parking lot that contain very wide shoulders along the county road where one can safely leave their vehicle.
So, whether it's a canoeing or kayaking, be sure to give the Black River a try sometime. And don't forget your camera and binoculars for those shy, retiring birds singing tantalizingly from the marsh. For more information on the Black River, please e-mail
Meandering its way for six kilometres from the village of Milford to Prince Edward Bay, the Black River is a pleasant paddle, whether by canoe or kayak. For much of the way, the route is remote, passing through areas of forest and farm pasture fields where horses and cattle may be seen pasturing. 
