Kayaking Michigan

Jewel of The Great Lakes

Kayaking Michigan is extraordinary fun because Michigan is known as one of the best places for kayaking. In Michigan, a creative kayaker finds endless kayaking possibilities on the in-land lakes and the almost endless expanse of the Great Lakes. Kayaking Michigan offers a diverse array of possibilities for the beginning and experienced paddler!

Some individuals have the misconception that kayaking in Michigan lacks variety. However, nothing could be further from the truth. For example, Lake Superior has unmatched paddling opportunities for any kayaker. Pictured Rocks is probably one of the most picturesque locations for kayaking in Michigan. Stunning multicolored 200-foot high cliffs, towers, arches, and caves. Miner’s Beach is great for day-trip kayaking Michigan and towards the east from Miner’s castle, has one of the finest rock and cliff formations. Nearby Grand Island also presents great paddling opportunities.

Kayaking Michigan – Where To Go

Here is an overview of some excellent Michigan kayaking locations:

• The National Lakeshore on the Lake Michigan shoreline provides one of the most excellent and impressive sand dunes and an excellent opportunity for paddlers.
• For scenic paddling, Fisherman's Island State Park provides ample opportunities. Kayaking around the Island provides many hours of pleasure alongside short dunes and forests that line the shore. The clear, shallow water of the island covers intricate rock patterns. Another place for relaxed kayaking in Michigan is the Wilderness State Park with its rocky and scenic shorelines.
• The Silver Lake State Park on the shores of Lake Michigan provides a great kayak fitness workout as you'll usually be paddling into the wind. Kayakers feel that kayaking most of the time into headwinds with accompanying waves is worth all the trouble. Hey...it's fun!
• Pine River, one of the fastest rivers in the Lower Peninsula, provides near whitewater kayaking experience to kayakers in Michigan. It also offers you beautiful scenery of high banks and forests when passing through the National Forest land.
• Kent Lake at the Island Lake State Park offers great opportunity for kayaking. One can launch at the beach and spend time kayaking all over the lake. There are several small islands in the lake and paddling through is a great experience. Belleville Lake, close to Detroit’s western suburbs, provides waves when the wind is strong.

Whitewater Kayaking in Michigan

Michigan offers one of the best whitewater kayaking experiences. Following are some of the many whitewater sites in Michigan:

• Pine River offers 40 miles of challenging kayaking experience. Swift and strong, it is one of the most appealing rivers in Michigan. It provides exhilarating experience to river kayaking experts. It provides breathtaking scenes of towering pines and hardwood forests as it passes through the Manistee National Forest.
• Pigeon River with its unpredictable swift currents and sharp river bends provide a challenge to kayakers in Michigan. The 17 miles of whitewater paddling offers obstacles consisting of fallen trees, logjams, and beaver dams that test the skills of the paddlers.
• Boardman River provides a light whitewater experience as it winds twenty miles down with a moderate current through a valley of cedar, pine, and assorted hardwoods.
• Escanaba River flows swiftly and strongly through the Upper Peninsula and appeals to kayakers as it offers scenic shoreline and 47 miles of whitewater kayaking in Michigan.
• Sturgeon River provides 27 miles of exciting whitewater run through the Sturgeon River Gorge. Passing through the most remote and scenic wilderness, it provides an advanced whitewater challenge to experienced kayakers.
• Presque Isle is the best-known whitewater river in Michigan. The extended runs of challenging whitewater kayaking together with thundering waterfalls, draws whitewater kayakers from around the Midwest. It provides 22 miles of unforgettable kayaking experience.
• Menominee River offers skilled whitewater kayakers from throughout the region with four memorable miles of whitewater experience. It is one of the most challenging whitewater runs in Michigan.
• Ontonagon River, South Branch has more than 25 miles of flat waters as well as class I-II rapids. It offers a variety of whitewater experiences from flat water to challenging whitewaters.
• Ontonagon River, East Branch offers whitewater conditions for a few weeks in a year. It has the most intense and sustained whitewater conditions in Michigan. Other than the 7 odd miles available, most of it is impassable.

Michigan will be an experience to remember by all levels of kayakers, whether they are whitewater enthusiasts, beginners or experienced kayakers.

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