Paddling Trips
Come Paddle with Us!
The 2025 Lower Rouge Water Trail Paddle Trip Schedule is now available!
There is still time this season to enjoy a paddle trip on the Rouge! Register for Friends of the Rouge Paddling events at: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php

2025 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 2025 paddling season!
Boat rental fee is $50, includes canoe or kayak, pfd, paddles, and shuttle service. There is a $15 service fee for paddlers bringing their own boat. ALL FEES DUE IN ADVANCE.

2025 End of Winter Paddle Trip (Ford Field Park)
A small but mighty group of Rouge River Water Trail Paddling enthusiasts joined us for a self-return paddle trip beginning at Ford Field Park to mark the end of winter and the beginning of Spring!!
*PADDLING IN WINTER IS FOR EXPERIENCED PADDLERS. ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A PERSONAL FLOATATION DECEIVE. WE RECOMMEND THATPADDLERS DRESS IN LAYERS AND WEAR A THICK WOOLLY HAT. A DRY SUIT IS THE BEST WINTER PADDLING SOLUTION, WE ALSO SUGGEST THAT YOU WEAR A THICK WARM PADDLER’S CAG. POGIES. NEOPRENE GLOVES, AND THICK WARM WATERPROOF BOOTS. IT IS ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT PADDLERS BRING A CHANGE OF CLOTHES. LASTLY, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING A DRY BAG TO STORE ELECTRONIC DEVICES OR SNACKS.
Open Water Birding Paddle Trip (Nankin Lake)
Friends of the Rouge and the Detroit Bird Alliance hosted its annual Spring Open Water Birding Paddle Trip on Nankin Lake! a contingent of 28 paddlers came to explore the bird species of the Rouge! The bird residents of the Rouge did not disappoint. Over two dozen different species of birds were spotted. Special thanks to the Detroit Bird Alliance for providing binoculars and sending a team of experienced birders to identify our feathered friends.
Pride Paddle Trip presented by the Queer Outdoors (Dearborn)
Friends of the Rouge and the Queer Outdoors partners again for the 2nd annual Pride Paddle Trip 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.
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 Friends of the Rouge hosted a short paddle trip as a part of Canton River Days from the Morton-Taylor Trailhead in Canton to the Lilley Road Bridge.

National Canoe Day 2025 (Venoy Dorsey Park)
Experience a guided paddling trip on the Lower Rouge River from Venoy Dorsey Park Golf Course to Colonial Park in Inkster to celebrate National Canoe Day. The bookend launches at Wayne County’s Venoy Dorsey Park are the first two universally accessible launch on the Lower Rouge River Water Trail. MetroParks, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, and the Norwayne Community Citizens Council were on site to share valuable resources and information.

The Black Pack Paddle Trip – Saturday, July 19, 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 19, from 9:30am – 12:00pm. The Black Pack creates opportunities for Black, indigenous, and people of color to experience the outdoors through mentorship and special events!
There is a $50 boat rental fee that includes shuttle service. There is a $15 service charge if you are bringing your own boat.
REGISTER TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php

Summer Magic Paddle Trip & Health Fair– presented by the Inkster Task Force – Saturday, August 2, 9:30am – 1pm
Sign up for the Inkster Summer Magic Paddle Trip & Health Fair presented by the Inkster Task Force on Saturday, August 2, from 9:30am – 1:00pm. We will meet at Venoy-Dorsey Park and paddle downstream to Colonial Park.
The event will also feature a Health Fair at Colonial Park from 11am – 1:30pm. Experience the Friends of the Rouge Dry Dock Pop Up and MetroParks outdoor games and a boys and girls bike raffle!
There is a $50 boat rental fee that includes shuttle service. There is a $15 service charge if you are bringing your own boat. Health Fair admission is free.
REGISTER TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php

Industrial Paddle Trip – Saturday, September 13, 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 $50 boat rental fee that includes shuttle service. There is a $15 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).
REGISTER TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php
Fall Open Water Birding Paddle Trip Newburgh Lake – Saturday, October 4, 9:00am – 12pm
Friends of the Rouge and the Detroit Bird Alliance host its Fall Open Water Birding Paddle Trip on Newburgh Lake. See the amazing fall colors and explore the bird species of the Rouge! If you love birding and you love to paddle, this is the trip for you!
REGISTER TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php
Haunted Paddle Trip – Saturday, October 18, 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!
Friends of the Rouge will also host its annual Fall Festival. Come join in the fun! All are welcome for s’mores and Halloween fun at Ford Field Park from 11am to 1pm on Saturday October 18! FOTR is also looking for costumed volunteers to assist with the event. If you are interested in volunteering or if you have any questions about this spooky fun event, email our trails manager, Herman Jenkins, at hjenkins@therouge.org.
REGISTER TO PADDLE: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php

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 2025 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
For more information on the Lower Rouge River Water Trail and how you can be involved, email Herman Jenkins, at hjenkins@therouge.org.
Join the Rouge Paddling Group 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.