Huron River Water Trail Earns State Designation

The Huron River National Water Trail was designated as one of the first State Water Trails by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) in partnership with the Office of the Great Lakes at the end of 2018. The program is intended to recognize communities and partners that connect people to outdoor recreation. To be designated as a State Water Trail, the Huron River Watershed Council demonstrated that the trail was well-maintained, had local support, and was accessible to paddlers of all skill levels. The water trail was previously designated the 18th National Water Trail, and it now carries both state and national recognition.

The Huron River Water Trail flows 104 miles (167 km) through pristine natural environments, historic areas, and past some of the best places to grab a bite or a brew in Michigan. Kayakers, canoeists, and anglers of all skill levels can drift leisurely or paddle with purpose all the way from Proud Lake in Milford to Lake Erie.

The MDNR has cultivated the State Water Trails designation program with the help of the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee, the Michigan State Waterways Commission, the Michigan Trails Advisory Council and the Nonmotorized Advisory Workgroup. The program aims to advance increasingly popular paddlesports and other non-motorized, water-based recreation by recognizing model water trails.