Making waves

Michigan’s lakes may get most of the attention, but the state’s water trails offer a different way to experience the landscape—one that unfolds at paddle speed.

These routes connect rivers, inland lakes, and Great Lakes shoreline, creating a way to see Michigan from the water, not just the shore.

Among the most ambitious is the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, developed by Paddle Antrim. It links a series of northern Michigan lakes and rivers—including Torch and Elk—into one continuous paddling experience. As the state’s first designated Pure Michigan Water Trail, it sets the standard for access, signage, and stewardship. It’s also largely a flatwater system, meaning paddlers can create out-and-back routes without the need to stage vehicles at different access points.

In Southeast Michigan, the Huron River Water Trail carries paddlers from Proud Lake to Lake Erie, winding through metro parks, wetlands, and the heart of Ann Arbor. With over 100 miles of paddling, it’s one of the easiest ways to get on the water, with a mix of quiet stretches and gentle current.

For a slower, more wildlife-focused experience, the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail moves through mid-Michigan’s wetlands and wooded corridors. Near the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, paddlers are likely to spot birds, deer, and other native species along the banks.

Along the Lake Huron shoreline, the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail offers a different kind of adventure. Here, paddling means open water, rocky outcroppings, and windswept beaches—conditions that feel closer to sea kayaking than a typical inland float.

Closer to metro Detroit, the Clinton River Water Trail reveals a surprisingly scenic side of the region, threading through parks, wooded corridors, and suburban landscapes. It’s a reminder that a great paddle doesn’t always require heading far north.

If you’re looking for a new way into Michigan—one that trades traffic for current and shorelines for something a little quieter—these trails are a good place to start.

TOP PHOTO: Torch River, Chain of Lakes Water Trail (PADDLE ANTRIM)