Paddling Trips
Come Paddle with Us!
The 2026 Lower Rouge River Water Trail Paddle Trip Schedule is now available!
Register for Friends of the Rouge Paddling events at: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php
2026 Lower Rouge River Water Trail Paddle Trip Schedule
Whether you are an experienced paddler or paddling for the first time, there is a trip for you! Join us as we paddle throughout the Rouge River watershed this 2026 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. FEES DUE IN ADVANCE.
2026 End of Winter Paddle Trip
Saturday, March 21st, 9:30am-12pm at Ford Field Park in Dearborn
Join us on March 21st for the first paddle trip of the season! Meet us at 9:30 am at Ford Field Park in Dearborn where we will launch and paddle upstream for a self-return paddle. Let’s celebrate the end of winter and beginning of spring together!
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 TO PADDLE: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php
*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.
Learn to Paddle
Saturday, April 25th, 9am to 12pm at Ford Field Park in Dearborn
Interested in trying paddling for the first time? Looking to improve on your paddling skills? Join us on April 25th at 9am where we will provide step-by-step instructions and tips to paddle safely. We will be paddling around open water on the pond at Ford Field Park in Dearborn, with instructors to help you every step of the way.
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 TO PADDLE: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php
Spring Birding Paddle Trip
Saturday, May 9th, 9am-12pm
Friends of the Rouge and Detroit Bird Alliance host its annual Spring Open Water Birding Paddle Trip! Last season over two dozen different species of birds were spotted. A team of experienced birders will help you identify numerous birds found in our Rouge River watershed. Location and registration will be made available soon.
There is a $50 boat rental fee that includes shuttle service. There is a $15 service charge if you are bringing your own boat.
Pride Paddle Trip presented by LGBTQ+ Outdoors
Saturday, May 16th, 9am-12pm at Ford Field Park in Dearborn
Friends of the Rouge and the LGBTQ+ Outdoors partner for the annual Pride Paddle Trip. Join us May 16th at 9am for a peaceful downstream paddle from Dearborn Hills Golf Course to Ford Field Park. LGBTQ+ Outdoors is a national nonprofit dedicated to connecting the LGBTQIA+ community with nature through inclusive outdoor events. The group welcomes all and encourages respect for each other’s pronouns and identities.
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 TO PADDLE: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php
Canton River Days
Saturday, June 6th, 9am-12pm at Morton Taylor Trailhead in Canton
On June 6th at 9am join us at the Morton Taylor Trailhead for a peaceful and short paddle on the Rouge River. We will launch at the Morton Taylor Trailhead and paddle downstream to the Lilley Road Bridge.
The event will also feature Canton’s annual River Day celebration which will take place from 10am-1pm. The celebration includes free family-friendly activities like birdhouse building and bird watching.
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 TO PADDLE: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php
National Canoe Day 2026
Saturday, June 27th, 9am to 12pm at Ford Field Park in Dearborn
Join us at Ford Field Park to celebrate National Canoe Day! We will be paddling downstream from Dearborn Hills Golf Course to Ford Field Park. Celebrate National Canoe Day paddling on the beautiful Rouge River!
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 TO PADDLE: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php
The Black Pack Paddle Trip
Saturday, July 18th, 9:00am – 12pm at Ford Field Park in Dearborn
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 18th from 9am-12pm. 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 TO TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php
Summer Magic Paddle Trip & Health Fair presented by the Inkster Task Force
Saturday, August 8th, 9:30am – 1pm
The Inkster Summer Magic Paddle Trip & Health Fair presented by the Inkster Task Force on Saturday August 8 from 9:30am-1pm. Details will be made available soon.
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 TO TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php
Industrial Paddle Trip at Fort Street Bridge Park
Saturday, August 22nd, 9:30am – 1pm at Fort Street Bridge Park in Detroit
Paddle part of the Industrial Channel of the Rouge River beginning at Fort Street Bridge Park and ending at Belanger Park in River Rouge. On August 22th at 9:30am, come experience the new universally accessible boat launch at Fort Street Bridge Park for our first Industrial Paddle of the year; see the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, Zug Island, and more. Registration will be made available soon.
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 TO TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php
Industrial Paddle Trip at Kessey Fieldhouse
Saturday, September 26, 9:30am – 1pm at Kessey Fieldhouse in Melvindale
Join us on our annual Industrial Paddle trip September 26th 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. See the original Ford Rouge Complex, one of a kind drawbridges, and more.
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 TO TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php
Fall Birding Paddle Trip
Saturday, October 3, 9:00am – 12pm
Friends of the Rouge and Detroit Bird Alliance hosts its Fall Birding Paddle October 3rd 9am-12pm. See the beautiful fall colors and explore the bird species in the Rouge River watershed. Last year we spotted over a dozen bird species as well as an Eagle! Location and registration will be made available soon.
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 TO TODAY AT: https://motorcitycanoerental.com/events.php
Haunted Paddle Trip
Saturday, October 17, 10:00am – 1pm at Ford Field Park in Dearborn
Be prepared for a scare! Friends of the Rouge will host its annual Haunted Paddle Trip on the Rouge River October 17th from 10am-1pm. Paddle from Dearborn Hills Golf Course downstream 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!
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.
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 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 2026 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.