“Dry Dock” Pop-ups! Bringing the River Experience to Shore!
Friends of the Rouge and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan have joined forces again to bring a river experience to an event near you!... Read More →
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.
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…
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Western Section
Central Section
Eastern Section
News from the Trail
Friends Funded for Phase 2 of Lower Rouge Trailhead
Friends of the Rouge was awarded $10,000 (Canadian) to support the completion of construction documents and permitting for the Fort Street Bridge Park Multi-purpose trailhead... Read More →
2022 End of Winter Paddle
Friends of the Rouge hosted its first End of Winter Paddle Trip on Saturday, March 26th after being rescheduled due to rain from the 19th.... Read More →
Iron Belle Trail Gateway Feature Rises In Detroit
The Downriver Linked Greenways and Iron Belle Trail Gateway Feature recently rose from the concrete in the shadow of Fort Street Bridge Park in Southwest... Read More →
New Businesses Opening on the Rouge Gateway Greenway in Dearborn
Photo from the Press & Guide article | By DAVE HERNDON A group of local developers is planning a series of restaurants and a co-working space at... Read More →
2021 Fall Paddle Trip on the Lower Rouge River Water Trail
On Saturday, October 23, Friends of the Rouge hosted its Fall Paddle Trip on a stretch of the Lower Rouge River Water Trail in Dearborn.... Read More →
Join Rouge Paddling on
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.