Best Kayaking in Michigan
Looking for the best kayaking in Michigan? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Michigan. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the incredible Outbound community.
Kayak to Turnip Rock
Only accessible by a kayaking adventure, Turnip Rock is a one-of-a-kind natural wonder.Although it is close to shore, all land surrounding it is privately owned and therefore not accessible by foot. Kayak rentals can be found in downtown Port Aust...
Camp in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is located south of Manistee along an extremely isolated shoreline. Most hikers prefer to camp two nights along the shores of Lake Michigan, but some choose to call the dunes home for weeks at a time. This is an...
Backpack Isle Royale NP's Greenstone Ridge Trail
Isle Royale National Park consists of Isle Royale, a fifty mile long and nine mile wide island in Lake Superior, and about 45 smaller islands around (and within) it. Remote and undeveloped, the shores can be visited by watercraft, but the only way...
35 miles
Hike Superior's Pictured Rocks Shore to Au Sable Lighthouse
This trip works best with two cars where the first is dropped off at the Twelvemile Beach Parking Lot), and carpooled over to the Miner's Castle Parking Lot. Both lots can be easily found in the Pictured Rocks National Seashore Map, or on Google M...
26 miles
Kayak the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
The best place to start a kayak tour of the main section of cliffs along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is Miners Beach, located just outside of Munising. Miners Beach features a good size parking lot, along with a beautiful sandy beach tha...
Paddle the Flat River
This adventure starts as any kayaking trip does: the great car-kayak shuffle. I’ll leave that planning to your group size, but I recommend a 2 car minimum, one left at the take out spot (Fallasburg Park or downtown Lowell behind the KDL Library) ...
12.5 miles
Kayak Sea Caves on the Broken Rocks Trail
Your paddle begins at Veteran's Waterfront Park in Port Austin. This is a beautiful sandy beach with plenty of parking.
From here, paddle west. I like to stick close to shore to check out everything up close and to minimize the waves.
Not far int...
Paddle the Shiawassee Heritage Water Trail
This adventure begins at Waterworks Park in Holly. There is a parking lot, pedestrian bridge, map, nature lookout, and designated launch at this site. From here to Storm Park in Fenton, it is 7 river miles and will take most paddlers 2-3 hours. Th...
Paddle the Platte River
Starting at Riverside Canoe Rentals (located near the intersection of M-22 and Lake Michigan Rd), or the small park across the river, this trip will take you roughly 3 hours to float, but shorter if you are paddling. But beware, starting here wil...
Paddle the Argo Cascades
This adventure starts at Argo Park. Rent a kayak for $21 (including shuttle service back) or bring your own. Caution: parking can be limited on the busiest summer days, so be sure to check out the overflow lots and shuttles. Check the livery websi...
Paddle the Huron River in the Island Lake Recreation Area
Park at the Island Lake Picnic Grounds, also known as the Kent Lake parking lot. Look for a spot on the west end of the parking lot and carry your kayak down to the river – but don’t worry, they have installed a nice little kayak slide to assist ...
Paddle Board Lake Michigan from Leland Harbor
For a day on the water, off the shores of Lake Michigan head to Leland. Park in the marina and load onto your paddle boards from the boat ramp. You'll quickly find your way out of the marina, in which you can head right, left or to open water. Eit...
