Kayaker on Lake Superior along the Pictured Rocks cliffs (via NPS)
Kayaking and canoeing on lakes and rivers is nothing new. But there’s a growing movement to promote and improve access to paddling routes.
“Today there’s an official water trail on just about every mile of Great Lakes coastline that touches Michigan,” says Harry Burkholder of the Land Information Access Association in Traverse City.
He says designated water trails have signs to guide paddlers and can be easily accessed from sites that often have parking, bathrooms, and drinking water.
He says water trails make it easy for new people to give paddling a try. And as more people enjoy spending time on the water, there will be more people invested in protecting it.
Get Schooled:
- Find a great place to paddle on the Michigan Great Lakes Water Trails website.
- Check out this beginner’s guide to paddling in Michigan, from Pure Michigan.
- Learn how to develop a water trail in your community with the Michigan Water Trails Manual.
- Before heading out on the water, make sure to read these 10 tips for paddling safety from MSU Extension.
The fine print:
- This segment was produced in partnership with Cornell University’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future
