Michigan Kayaking Destinations Near Detroit
When you think of Detroit, Michigan your first thoughts may be of automobiles and sports. But Detroit is a great place for nature lovers as well. The city is home to the only international wildlife preserve located in North America that’s in the heart of major metropolitan area and the tri-county metro area is filled with natural landscapes, parks, beaches, and a recreational coastline that is linked to the Great Lakes. Islands, coastal wetlands, marshes, shoals and waterfront lands, the Detroit River, the Hudson River and Lake Erie make the Detroit metro a great kayaking destination.
Where to Kayak near Detroit
Get your kayaks, canoes and paddleboards ready! Here are five of the best, most popular places to get your paddle on near Detroit, Michigan.
Huron River Water Trail
Ann Arbor, Michigan
The Huron River Water Trial is an inland paddling trail offers 104 miles of river for kayaking, canoeing and other freshwater activities. It takes about five days to paddle the entire trail, with everything from rapids to calm, still waters. It winds though several communities and scenic parks to the west of Detroit, beginning near the Proud Lake Recreational Area just west of Commerce Charter Township. If you paddle the entire length, you’ll go through small towns such as Milford and Dexter before finally making your way to Lake Erie.
Detroit Heritage River Water Trail
Detroit, Michigan
The Detroit Heritage River Water Trail will take you past urban areas of downtown Detroit as well the serene International Wildlife Refuge. It is one of Michigan’s most dynamic and diverse water trails, and is organized into four segments. The Belle Isle/Detroit segment provides great views of the island, Detroilt skyline and Canada. The Rouge River segment offers a close up view of the Ford Rouge Complex, unique bascule bridges and greenery as it travels from the City of Melvindale to Belanger Park. The Huron River segment begins in the City of Flatrock and passes through scenic areas before meandering to Lake Erie. The Lower Detroit River segment begins in Wyandotte’s Bishop Park and passes by the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge.
Clinton River Water Trail
Waterford Township, Michigan
Clinton River offers a lovely moderate 4.7 mile trail with excellent views of nature and bird watching. The start of this trail begins near the Waterford Township before winding its way to Cass Lake. If you are looking for a little more adventure, the Clinton River also flows from Pontiac west to Lake St. Clair. Here the river is divided into three sections. The Headwaters offers the most tranquil paddle through Michigan’s wetlands. The middle section through the Heart of Clinton is the most difficult. The Lower River offers dense forests with a slow-moving wake that pushes kayakers to Lake St. Clair.
Newburgh Lake / Hines Park
Plymouth, Michigan
Newburgh Lake is a great location for a day of kayaking and park fun. It is an impoundment on the Middle Rouge River within Hines Park in Plymouth, MI. The park offers easy water access with a nice, developed launch at Newburgh Point and a large lake with wooded shores for kayakers to explore. In addition to the serene views, the park also offers fishing, excellent picnic spots, restrooms, a playground, dog park and trails for hiking and biking.
Stony Creek Metropark
Shelby Township, MI
The Stony Creek Metropark offers that up north feeling without having to leave the suburbs. It extends across Oakland and Macomb counties, offering 4,461 scenic acres of outdoor exploration. Stony Creek Lake is a prime spot for kayaking. Its 500-acres offer a smooth ride and scenic views of lush woodlands, serene wetlands and tallgrass prairies. The park also features a nature center, disc golf, baseball and soccer fields, volleyball and basket ball courts, playgrounds, picnic areas and winter sports as well.
Detroit Metro Kayak Storage Racks
With so many kayaking destinations within a few minutes of the Detroit metro, you’ll want to make sure your kayak is always ready for your next adventure with a high-quality kayak storage rack. Our hand-crafted kayak, canoe and SUP storage racks are made from durable, naturally weather-resistant norther cedar logs. Their natural beauty will add to the appeal of your property while keeping your kayaks protected and at the ready, and your shoreline neat and orderly. We offer a wide variety of rack styles and storage options that can accommodate up to eight kayaks, canoes or standup paddleboards. Shop online now and enjoy free shipping to the Detroit, Michigan area or contact us online for a custom kayak storage solution designed to meet your exact storage needs.