Late Summer Paddles

Avoid the tourist flotillas and enjoy a peaceful day on the water this August

There’s nothing quite like a paddle trip on the river. Northern Michigan abounds with numerous navigable rivers, and though many are popular with tourists and visitors, they can be a special retreat for locals looking for their own restful recreation in the waning days of summer.

To encourage your own stream dreams, Northern Express has assembled a helpful guide to nudge you riverside, drop you in the current, and send you blissfully downstream before summer’s end. (Note: This is not an all-encompassing list of rivers or liveries—there are plenty more to explore!)

The Platte River

Liveries: Riverside Canoe (canoemichigan.com); Tipsy River Canoe (tipsycanoeandbrew.com)

Spanning nearly 30 miles across Grand Traverse and Benzie County before concluding in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, the Platte River is renowned for its gentle current, shallow depths, and crystal clear water. Expect most of your trips to take between one and four hours, depending on where you start.

The most popular section is the put-in just off of M-22 at the Platte River Picnic Area Canoe Launch on Lake Michigan Rd. With slow flow and warm water, it is also suitable for tubing (typically below the Platte River Fishing Weir or the El Dorado boat launch) and stand-up-paddle boarding (SUP), the latter of which we especially recommend in the evening.

The way the river winds also makes it possible to park along Lake Michigan Road and walk back to your car, saving the hassle of a shuttle. Located within the National Lakeshore, river goers will need a National Parks entrance pass.

Those seeking different scenery can launch from just outside downtown Honor at Platte River Park and float down to the edge of Platte Lake (there is a takeout off of Deadstream Road). Adventurous types may enjoy heading even further upstream to Platte River State Forest Campground (on Goose Road) and shove off from there, for a more winding, engaging, and lengthy paddle before taking out at either Honor or Platte Lake.

Manistee River and Tributaries

Liveries: Pine River Paddlesports Center (thepineriver.com); Chippewa Landing (chippewalanding.com/rentals); Shel-Haven (shel-haven.com)

One of the most recognizable rivers in Michigan, this main artery spans nearly 190 miles and is renowned for its fishing, wildlife, and recreation. Often referred to as the “Big Man” (for good reason), this substantial river offers endless options, and paddlers can shape the length and duration as they see fit!

For wide, flat river conditions, sweeping views of the highbanks, and passage under the hiking trail suspension bridge, the paddle from below Hodenpyl Dam to Red Bridge River Access (N Coates Highway) is a popular four-hour trip.

Looking further upstream, the opportunities for added wilderness, seclusion, and a more active paddle are also available. Paddlers can venture just below Smithville Landing off M-66 from the M66 Manistee River Boat Launch and meander downstream to Rainbow Jims/Coster Road takeout. Ideal for confident paddlers, this three- to four-hour route offers an intermediate, engaging paddle as you trace the bends and oxbows that wend through acre upon acre of uninterrupted forests.

Continuing upriver, another popular portion is Sharon Bridge down to the Dutch John Boat Launch (Dutch John Rd). Easy to access, this lively paddle takes four to six hours (depending on the amount of paddling), and is full of bends, midstream islands, and plenty of gravel bars and shallows to pull over and take a mid-trip dip in the river.

Due to the length and the uninterrupted span of the river (no need to portage!), outfitter options are plentiful along the whole waterway. Paddlers can pick from a number of rental options depending on which section of river they plan to pursue.

Au Sable River

Liveries: Borchers Canoe & Kayak (canoeborchers.com); Carlisle Canoe Livery (carlislecanoelivery.com)

With a portion designated as the Holy Waters and renowned for its Blue Ribbon Trout Stream status, this pristine 138-mile river dominates the narrative for Michigan rivers.

One of the most popular sections for relaxation is below the Mio dam down to Comins Flats. The smooth current and open river make it ideal for those looking for an effortless paddle or tubing trip.

Further upstream is another preferred section disembarking from Grayling and meandering approximately 8 miles down river to Burton’s Landing (Burton’s Landing Rd). Shallow in spots, the stretch takes approximately two-and-a-half hours and is not recommended for tubing as a paddle is often required to navigate.

Those seeking a longer venture can look into the stretches of McMaster’s Bridge down to Parmelee Bridge (two-and-a-half hours) or extend to the Whirlpool Canoe Launch (five hours). Full of light twists and wide bends, this popular section provides navigable paddling while meandering through sections of northern Michigan’s most unspoiled countryside. Much of the appeal of the Au Sable is its general navigability, making it perfect for beginner and learning paddlers to venture out and enjoy the river.

Chain of Lakes

Liveries: paddleantrim.com/chain-of-lakes-water-trail/outfitters

Taking a break from constant river current, recreators can head to the Chain of Lakes waterways. Officially established in 2021, the Water Trail provides 84 access sites and 100 miles of water to uncover. Winding through a series of interconnected inland lakes and waterways, paddlers can choose their own routes and level of rigor.

Divided into two sections by the dam in Bellaire, the Upper Chain is largely beginner friendly, with the lower more suited to intermediate to advanced paddlers. For beginners seeking placid waters, the section of Ellsworth to Wilson Lake can be just right! Launching from the village of Ellsworth, these small and narrow lakes provide just shy of two hours of easy paddling and could be considered for SUP as well. Enthusiastic venturers could also continue southward to Ben-Way Lake or Hanley Lake (two hours) for some additional tranquil traversing.

Another idyllic section to explore is navigating through the Grass River Natural Area along the Grass River itself. Geared toward intermediate paddling, the section covers seven miles and takes approximately three hours to glide from the southern edge of Lake Bellaire to the Clam Lake DNR access. Bissecting through miles of protected wilderness, the peaceful water pathway is a favorite among paddlers.

For the advanced paddler looking to put in some serious miles, the Water Trail offers several lake circumnavigations, shoreline lengths, and crossing including Lake Skegemog (three-plus hours), Torch Lake Eastern Shore (seven hours), and Elk Lake Loop (eight hours).

Photo on the Au Sable by Borchers Canoe & Kayak

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