Trailblaze Detroit: Kayaking to Lake Erie on the Huron River Water Trail
Explore kayaking to Lake Erie on Metro Detroit’s Huron River Water Trail! Complete with expert insights on parks, trail towns, and tips for navigating the route, the latest "Trailblaze Detroit" episode is your guide for an ultimate paddling adventure.
"There are certainly worse ways to spend a Monday."
This sarcastic sentence escapes my mouth as the golden sunshine of mid-fall in Metro Detroit breaks through the tree cover above me. A great blue heron has just taken flight from its perch, leaving a wake of brilliant yellow and orange leaves to gently glide towards the Huron River. For a few moments, the only audible sound is the relaxing ripple of the flowing river. The peak fall colors overhead complete the idyllic scene.
A sudden roar from overhead breaks the hypnotic trance of the Huron. I look up to see a Boeing 737 crossing the cloudless sky - the first of many such sightings along this stretch of the Lower Huron River.
"That's right," I think to myself, "Detroit Metro Airport is just a stone's throw away from here."
Throughout our crew's paddling adventure from Belleville, Michigan towards our "grand finale" - Lake Erie - the interwoven elements of wilderness, adventure, and accessibility provided the underlying theme to this uniquely-Metro Detroit adventure on the Huron River National Water Trail. On one hand, we were never far from modern amenities like trail towns, interstates, and even a major international airport hub. On the other hand, the majority of our paddle was spent entirely encapsulated by stunning fall colors, several Huron-Clinton Metroparks, and especially once we arrived at the great vastness of Lake Erie.
If you're looking for an immediately-accessible kayaking adventure on your next visit to - or even long layover in - Detroit, then congratulations: you've landed on the perfect episode of Trailblaze Detroit. Here's our guide to kayaking from Lake Belleville to Detroit's closest "Great Lake," Lake Erie, along the Huron River National Water Trail.
CHECK OUT EPISODE 6 OF TRAILBLAZE DETROIT NOW!
1. Launching Point: Horizon Park in Belleville, Michigan
Highlights: Horizon Park, Downtown Belleville, Lake Belleville, and French Landing Dam
Total Paddling Distance: 5.2 Miles
Ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu famously wrote that "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Well, your kayaking adventure of 31.2 miles to Lake Erie starts with a 5.2 segment along the banks of beautiful Lake Belleville in Belleville, Michigan.
Before launching from the publicly-accessible boat launch at Horizon Park, don't miss the opportunity to fuel up in the quintessential town of Belleville. Located just 29 miles west of Detroit and 18 miles east of Ann Arbor, Belleville sits in a sweet spot between Motor City’s cultural pulse and the collegiate energy of the University of Michigan, offering travelers the best of both worlds: lakeside serenity and vibrant, small-town personality.
From Horizon Park, you will paddle through the heart of Belleville's "crown jewel" - gorgeous Lake Belleville - until reaching the historic French Landing Dam. Don't forget your fishing pole for this adventure, especially since Lake Belleville is renowned for its walleye and bass.
2. Metropark Medley: From Lower Huron Metropark to Oakwoods Metropark
Highlights: Lower Huron Metropark, New Boston, Willow Metropark, and Oakwoods Metropark
Total Paddling Distance: 16.5 Miles
When over half of the total journey occurs within one uninterrupted segment, then you already know that mother nature has fantastic surprises waiting in store for you! With Belleville already in your wake, this segment comprises one of Metro Detroit's most famous and beloved paddling experiences: kayaking downstream from Lower Huron Metropark, through Willow Metropark, and completing the trifecta with Oakwoods Metropark.
Here are our recommended highlights for each of these Huron-Clinton Metroparks:
Destination | Why You Should Visit | Recommended Activities | |
Lower Huron Metropark is one of the most accessible outdoor destinations found within Metro Detroit. Enjoy 1,256 acres of mature woodlands, grassy meadows and easy access to the Huron River. |
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Explore 1,532 acres of mature woodlands and scenic views of the Huron River at Willow Metropark. |
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Scenic woodlands and picturesque views of the Huron River are waiting for you at Oakwoods Metropark. The park contains 1,756 acres filled with well-tended trails, an engaging Nature Center, fishing spots, and a designated monarch butterfly waystation. |
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Friendly reminder that the Metroparks' 2027 Annual Pass JUST WENT ON SALE on November 1st! In other words, if you're looking to maximize your recreational adventures in the Huron-Clinton Metroparks for the entirety of next year, then now is the best time to acquire an Annual Pass.
3. Refueling Stop: Trail Town of Flat Rock, Michigan
Highlights: Huroc Park, Covered Bridge, and Downtown Flat Rock.
Total Paddling Distance: 0.4 Miles
While the Huron River National Water Trail boasts 5 distinct "Trail Towns," the lone destination on this route to Lake Erie is the adventurous City of Flat Rock, Michigan.
This recreational hub for Metro Detroit's downriver communities offers not only direct access to the Huron River, but also plentiful parks, the Downriver Linked Greenway trails, extraordinary sports facilities, and a community center. Going a little deeper, Huroc Park represents the gateway between Flat Rock's outdoors and its beautiful downtown business district.
Since this is your refueling stop, we recommend grabbing a bite at either Atwater Street Tacos or Michael's On The River. As you can probably tell from the names, both of these establishments are within walking distance of the Huron River.
4. Last Stretch: Paddling through Rockwood
Highlights: Dodge Park, Downtown Rockwood, and Labo Park
Total Paddling Distance: 9.1 Miles
Now that you've had a chance to stretch your legs and fill your belly, it's time to expend that newfound energy on this last stretch of your journey to Lake Erie!
Anchored by Downtown Rockwood, Michigan, this 9.1 mile segment passes through multiple parks, marshes, and mature woodlands as the Huron snakes downstream towards its Great Lake. Parkland gives this section a forested, natural feel. Labo Park provides a convenient stopping point where paddlers will find a launch, restrooms, and a picnic area
The City of Rockwood lies conveniently in the center of this last stretch, providing an opportune break to utilize its dining and other amenities before launching back into the Huron. River Village Family Restaurant and Huron River Inn BAR-B-Q Grill are both located within easy walking distance of the river.
5. Grand Finale: Lake Erie, Point Mouillee, and Lake Erie Metropark
Highlights: Hull's Trace, Pointe Mouille State Game Area, Lake Erie Metropark, and Lake Erie
Total Paddling Distance: As far as you'd like to go
With one final bend in the Huron, the West Jefferson Road Bridge comes into view. For all intents and purposes, this is the official "Finish Line" of the 104 mile Huron River National Water Trail. The location is more famously known as "Hull's Trace," a battle ground during the War of 1812 and associated with the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.
For most thru-paddlers of the Huron, this location is where the champagne is popped, the kayaks are drawn from the water, and the journey comes to an end.
On this odyssey to Lake Erie, however, the ultimate goal - paddling to a Great Lake - lies just a few more miles downstream. We guarantee that you won't mind the extra mileage as you pass through Pointe Mouille State Game Area, a world-renown destination for birdwatching, waterfowl hunting, fishing, "raptor counting" during the peak fall migration each September.
Then, just as you reach the Pointe Mouille boat launch, you see it: the great expanse created only by a Great Lake, Lake Erie. The Huron River pours you out into Lake Erie's northwestern-most point, right at the mouths of both the Huron and Detroit Rivers. A few islands separate you from paddling directly into Lake Erie's 9,910 square miles of international waters.
Watch for freighters and bald eagles alike as you bask in this great accomplishment!
Not quite ready to end your kayaking adventure? We don't blame you. Fortunately, Lake Erie Metropark is located directly upstream from the mouth of the Huron River!
Famous for its captivating shoreline, Lake Erie Metropark boasts 1,607 acres of exceptional views that you’ll only find on a Great Lake, along with plenty of opportunities for recreation. Its amenities include several miles of trails for hiking, running, and biking, over 100 wells for access to the water, world-class fishing opportunities, and the "Marshlands Museum" that features year-round, accessible programs for all ages. Plus, the Metropark's "Great Wave Pool" and splash pad is finally reopening in 2027, so mark your calendars for that ribbon-cutting date!
More About the Huron River National Water Trail
The Huron River National Water Trail is a 104-mile (167 km) inland paddling trail connecting people to the river’s natural environment, its history, and the Metro Detroit communities it touches in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. From the rapids at Delhi and Dexter to the placid flat water at the entrance to Lake Erie, a variety of paddling experiences await you. For kayaking, canoeing, fishing on a fly, and other freshwater pursuits, follow the Huron River Water Trail to learn what others already know—the Huron River is a Michigan treasure worth exploring.
The Huron was designated as the 18th trail of the National Water Trail System in 2015.
Trailblaze Detroit is a multimedia series co-produced by Visit Detroit and Expedition Detroit. The core purpose of the series is to promote outdoor adventure tourism and discovery throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties, as well as highlight the Detroit region's natural spaces, seasonal activities, hidden outdoor gems, and the individuals that support them.
All images contained within this article are reproduced with the express consent of Jordan Garland.
Are you interested in using adventure marketing to promote your organization or business? Awesome - we're here to help! Contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com or 734.821.6416 to learn more.
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