Mile 408.5 - LBD Big Black River

John Ruskey

20 Apr 2026 � 1 min read

408.5 LBD Big Black River

A dynamic alternate put-in for the Mississippi can be made paddling down the last 13-14 miles of the Big Black River from the boat ramp at the Hwy 61 Bridge. There is always some flow in the Big Black, and no shoals to negotiate. When the Mississippi is high, it gets backed up. When the Mississippi is low and the Big Black high, it can be a roller-coaster ride. Paddling a “small” river like the Big Black out of the hills and into the floodplain, and then into the unimaginably expansive open waters of the big river puts everything into perspective.

Narrow steep concrete ramp on southwestern side of bridge (accessible only from south-bound lane of Hwy 61). Bottoms out in mud at low water. Parking lot gets submerged in high water. Don't leave your vehicle parked at this location. Arrange shuttle. Approximately 14 miles to the mouth of the Mississippi River.

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