Highlights: Fog hung over the Platte River during a mid-morning June paddle, but the layer of gray clouds didn’t detract from the Platte’s natural beauty. Several weeping willows draped their branches across the water, and blue iris decorated the shoreline. The constant current tugged at my kayak as I followed a great blue heron on a fishing expedition. Ducks, woodpeckers, and wading deer completed the summer perfection while the river rippled along, slipping in and out of dense forest. The bike ride can’t compete with the beauty of the Platte, but it does roll through the village of Honor and along charming country roads.

Distance: Bike: 6-7 miles. Paddle: 9-10 miles.

Difficulty: Biking: Mostly easy on paved roads with a couple small climbs. Kayaking: Suitable for advanced beginners. Portaging is unlikely but expect to encounter boulders and deadfall.

Location: Drop off your boats at the U.S. 31 Bridge/Veteran’s Memorial State Forest Campground, just off U.S. 31 about 4 miles east of Honor. To find the takeout, continue on U.S. 31through Honor and turn right onto Indian Hill Rd. Cross over the river and look for the Platte River Park on the right. Park here, but, before beginning the bike ride, be sure you can recognize the takeout from the water. This park, as of mid-June 2023, was still in development with the parking lot and toilets installed. The kayak launch and fishing pier were not yet built, so the shoreline is still wild with a brushy trail leading to the river.

(Car shuttle: Using the directions above, park one car at the takeout and then drive the second car to the put-in.)

Route finding: Biking: Turn right onto Indian Hill and then right at stop sign onto Deadstream Rd. (Co. Rd. 708). Turn left onto Platte St., which will dead-end at U.S. 31. Turn left and continue on U.S. 31 through Honor. Turn right onto Goose Rd. (this minimizes the ride on U.S. 31 and eliminates a steep hill). Turn right when Goose joins with U.S. 31 and continue a short distance to your boats. THE SHOULDER IS WIDE BUT BE CAREFUL DURING THIS SECTION AS THE SPEED LIMIT IS 55 MPH. Kayaking: The Platte is best early in the paddling season when the water is running high or after heavy rain. Otherwise, expect to encounter shallow sections when the river widens. You might get stuck on the river bottom in these sections, but you can usually find deeper water close to the shore.

Map and information: Click here for a PDF map, and you can find more about the Platte River Park here.