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. Face coverings must be worn unless fully vaccinated
3. Six-foot distancing must be maintained.
4. Any change in health status within 14 days of the event must be reported back to Friends of the Rouge.
5. Sign our waiver.

2022 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!

SPRING PADDLE TRIP – SATURDAY, MAY 14
Dearborn Hills Golf Course, Dearborn  9am – 12pm

The trip from Dearborn Hills downstream to Ford Field Park delivers a spectacular perspective of the Rouge. Paddle through small patches of bubbling rapids and navigate the logjams and meanders under the dense tree canopy of this natural stretch of the river. Motor City Canoe Rental will provide livery services.

NATIONAL CANOE DAY – SATURDAY, JUNE 25
Ford Field Park, Dearborn  10am – 2pm

Celebrate National Canoe Day with Friends of the Rouge. If you’ve never paddled before this is your chance to learn a few paddling safety tips and take a spin around the Ford Field Park Pond for free! Motor City Canoe Rental will provide livery services, including kayak or canoe rental and PFD’s for the scheduled paddle trip.

INDUSTRIAL PADDLE – SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17
Kessey Fieldhouse Boat Launch, Melvindale  9am – 1pm

Kayak the Industrial Channel of the Rouge River and see one of a kind draw bridges, the Ford Rouge Plant, Zug Island, and see the new Gordie Howe International Bridge as it rises from the shores of the Detroit River. Riverside Kayak Connection will provide livery services, including kayak and PFD rental for the Industrial Paddle. 

HAUNTED FALL PADDLE TRIP – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22
Dearborn Hills Golf Course, Dearborn  10am – 1pm

Journey through this natural stretch of the Rouge, but be prepared for the scare! 

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Fall Paddle Group

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! The Dry Dock Pop-ups will feature a real canoe, paddling essentials and safety tips, crafts for kids, a terrain model of the Rouge Watershed, and scheduled interactive activities throughout the day’s event. Come share your story about the Rouge River!

Friends of the Rouge and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan are on a mission to promote equitable access to the healthy fitness and recreation opportunities connected blueway and greenway trails can offer communities. Friends of the Rouge is working with Wayne County Parks and other community stakeholders to build and enhance blueway and greenway trails in communities along the Lower Rouge River. Come learn more at a Dry Dock Pop-up near you! Check for more dates and locations throughout the summer!

Upcoming Dry Dock Pop Up Events!

Westland Family Resource Fair May 11, 5 -7pm
Rouge Rescue – May 22
Belle Isle Conservancy – June 4
We’re Fixin’ To Fish – Bishop Park, Wyndotte May 28
Westland Farmers Market – Kids Day July 21, Health & Fitness Day August 18
Inkster Task Force Golf Outing – (TBD)

Congresswoman Rashida Talib enjoys the Dry Dock Pop Up Experience at the Inkster Farmer’s Market and a family hangs out in the canoe at the Inkster Taskforce Easter Egg Roll.

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.