Exploration Guides

Huron River

The Huron River in southeast Michigan find its headwaters in Indian Springs Metropark near White Lake, Michigan.  From there, it gradually meanders south, first veering west, before gradually turning east and ending, 219km (136 miles) downriver in the west end of Lake Erie.  Along the way, it travels through countless parks, large and small, as well as through many lakes, large and small.

The Huron River is one of the most popular canoeing and kayaking rivers in southeast Michigan.  A very relaxed, slow-moving river for most of its length, there are only two, small sets of rapids remaining, one in Hudson Mills Metropark and another in Delhi Metropark.

Most canoeing and kayaking along the Huron is done from Proud Lake State Recreation Area downriver, as above this point is either too shallow or difficult/impossible to portage.  From Proud Lake downriver, it is mostly wilderness or parks all the way to Huron Meadows Metropark.  From there, you’ll pass through heavily built up lakes until you portage around the lock/dam just above Hudson Mills Metropark.  From here, through Ann Arbor, it’s mostly parks again, all the way down to Ypsilanti.  A brief built-up area again in Ypsilanti, and through Ford and Belleville Lakes, and you’re back into the Huron Clinton Metroparks again nearly all the way to Lake Erie.

This river is suitable for everyone, with every level of paddling skill, even if that level is none at all.  It’s mostly shallow enough to stand up, and, except for the lakes, rarely has any motorized traffic.  With deer, great blue heron, river otters, and much, much more, there’s plenty to see.  The Huron River is a great way to spend a summer afternoon, or, utilizing the many canoe camps situated along the river, you can even make it a several-day trip from one end to the other.

Look for a Huron River app, with not only a map, but all the best launch points, lunch points, scenic and historic locations, and more, coming in 2011.