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Lower Rouge River Water Trail

Come Enjoy the Rouge

The Lower Rouge River Water Trail is a 27-mile (43.45 km) inland paddling trail connecting people to the river’s natural environment, its history, and the communities it touches in Michigan’s Rouge Watershed. A variety of paddling experiences await you.

For kayaking, canoeing, and hiking off-shore, follow the Lower Rouge River Water Trail to learn what others already know – that the Rouge River is a Michigan treasure worth exploring.

The Rouge River is an URBAN RIVER so water quality and quantity can fluctuate. The water is generally safe for boating if there has been no heavy rain or snowmelt; swimming is not recommended. Please check water levels and weather before heading out.

Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Art Murals on the Gordie Howard International Bridge - American Side

Gordie Howe International Bridge Murals – American Side

Art Murals on the Gordie Howard International Bridge - American Side
Art Murals on the Gordie Howard International Bridge - Canadian Side
Gordie Howe International Bridge Murals – Canadian Side
Art Murals on the Gordie Howard International Bridge - Canadian Side
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue
Citizen forester Elaine Piotrowski works to plant a tree in Patton Park, view facing north towards Dix Avenue

The newest gem on the Water Trail: when entering the Detroit River from the mouth of the Rouge, the twin bridge murals on the footings of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. READ MORE… Read about plans for the Rouge Gateway Greenway: READ MORE…

Select an image for a printable map.

Rouge River Water Trail - Western SectionWestern Section
Rouge River Water Trail - Central SectionCentral Section
Rouge River Water Trail - Eastern SectionEastern Section
 
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News from the Trail

Industrial Paddle Trip 2021 broad view of the industrial river line with canoes and kayaks in the water

2021 Industrial Paddle Trip

Friends of the Rouge hosted its annual Industrial Paddle Trip on Saturday, September 18. Riverside Kayak Connection led the annual kayak and canoe trip from Melvindale’s Kessey...
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Please Note

The water is generally safe for boating if there has been no heavy rain or snowmelt; swimming is not recommended.

The Lower Rouge River Water Trail is a consortium of interested groups and communities and is a project of the Lower Rouge River Water Trail Leadership Committee. Contact us through info@therouge.org.