Lower Rouge River Water Trail Events

Because any in-person contact risks spreading the disease, Friends of the Rouge requires all participants to abide by the following procedures until further notice.

1. All volunteers must pre-screen themselves prior to their participation.
2. Sign our waiver.

2024 Lower Rouge River Water Trail Paddle Trip Schedule

If you are an experienced paddler, or if you have never paddled before, we’ve got a trip for you! Don’t miss your chance to paddle the Rouge! Register below to join us for a paddle trip on the Rouge during the 2024 paddling season!

REGISTER TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php?v=fotr

End of Winter Paddle Trip –  (Ford Field Park)  

A light snowfall the night before didn’t stop a crew of experienced paddlers from taking a self-return paddle trip upstream from Ford Field Park to mark the end of winter and the beginning of Spring!! 

Spring Open Water Birding Paddle Trip –  (Nankin Lake) 

Friends of the Rouge, BIPOC Birders of Michigan and the Detroit Bird Alliance hosted its annual Spring Open Water Birding Paddle Trip on Nankin Lake! Over two dozen paddlers came out to explore the bird species of the Rouge! There were 23 species of birds found on Nankin Lake!

Pride Paddle Trip presented by the Queer Outdoors  (Dearborn) 

Friends of the Rouge and the Queer Outdoors hosted a paddle trip on the Lower Rouge River from Dearborn Hills Golf Course to Ford Field Park. The Queer Outdoors is the queer friendly hiking/foraging/camping group! The group welcomes all and encourages respect for each other’s pronouns and identities. It was an amazing day to paddle the river. 

Canton River Days –  (Morton-Taylor Trailhead)

Canton Leisure Services hosted an array of activities along its greenway trails network throughout the day including trail hikes, building birdhouses, and of course, Friends of the Rouge hosted its first ever paddle trip as a part of Canton River Days. A small but mighty cohort of paddlers met at the Morton-Taylor Trailhead in Canton and paddled downstream to the Lilley Road Bridge. 

National Canoe Day 2024 presented by MetroParks – Saturday, June 22 (Dearborn) 

Experience a guided paddling trip on the Lower Rouge River from Dearborn Hills Golf Course to Ford Field Park to celebrate National Canoe Day. We will meet at 9:30am at Dearborn Hills Golf Course. Boat rental fee is $45, includes canoe or kayak, pfd, paddles, and shuttle service. There is a $10 service fee for paddlers bringing their own boat.

If you are new to paddling, join us at the Ford Field Park Pond for our free Demo Day to try a canoe or kayak for free. MetroParks, Friends of the Rouge, and other community partners will be on hand with interactive exhibits and games! 

REGISTER TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php?v=fotr

The Black Pack Paddle Trip –  Saturday, July 27, 2024  9:30am – 12pm

Join Friends of the Rouge and The Black Pack for a paddle trip from Dearborn Hills Golf Course to Ford Field Park on Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 9:30am – 12:00pm. The Black Pack creates opportunities for Black, indigenous, and people of color to experience the outdoors!

There is a $45 boat rental fee that includes shuttle service. There is a $10 service charge if you are bringing your own boat. 

REGISTER TODAY AT: http://motorcitycanoerental.com/black-paddle-trip-24

Summer Magic – presented by the Inkster Task Force and MetroParks –  Saturday, August 3, 2024  9:30am – 1pm

Sign up for the Friends of the Rouge Summer Magic Paddle Trip presented by the Inkster Task Force and MetroParks on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 9:30am – 1:00pm. We will meet at Venoy-Dorsey Park and paddle downstream to Inkster Park.

The event will also feature a Health Fair at Inkster Park from 10am – 1pm. Experience the Friends of the Rouge Dry Dock Pop Up and MetroParks interactive exhibits. Health and wellness vendors will be on hand to share valuable community resources and information. Enjoy outdoor games and a boys and girls bike raffle!

There is a $45 boat rental fee that includes shuttle service. There is a $10 service charge if you are bringing your own boat. Health Fair admission is free. 

REGISTER TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php?v=fotr

Industrial Paddle Trip  – Saturday, September 21, 2024  9:30am – 1pm

Paddle the Industrial Channel of the Rouge River beginning at Melvindale’s Kessey Field House and ending at Belanger Park in River Rouge on the Detroit River. See the original Ford Rouge Complex, one of a kind drawbridges and the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. There is a $45 boat rental fee that includes shuttle service. There is a $10 service charge if you are bringing your own boat. Participants bringing their own boat, must have a double hulled kayak and personal flotation device (PFD).

Fall Open Water Birding Paddle Trip Newburgh Lake –  Saturday, October 5,  9:00am – 12pm

Take an open water paddle on Newburgh Lake with Detroit Audubon and Friends of the Rouge. Explore the bird species of the Rouge! Phoenix Lake, Plymouth, MI.

REGISTER TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php?v=fotr

Haunted Paddle Trip  – Saturday, October 19,   10:00am – 1pm

Be prepared for a scare! Friends of the Rouge will host its annual Haunted Paddle Trip on the Rouge. Paddle from Dearborn Hills Golf Course to Ford Field Park and experience the spooky scenes created by Friends of the Rouge and community partners! See the Bog Monster, the Killer Clown, and the Rouge Witches. Don’t be afraid!

REGISTER TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php?v=fotr

VOLUNTEER! JOIN THE FRIENDS OF THE ROUGE TRIP CREW!

Friends of the Rouge is looking for experienced paddlers to support its planned paddle trips during the 2024 season to help ensure a safe and fun paddling experience on the Lower Rouge River Water Trail. To sign up, click the button below, or for more information contact: Herman Jenkins: Friends of the Rouge Trails Manager at hjenkins@therouge.org

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.