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.

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. Over 25 paddlers met at Dearborn Hills Golf Course where the City of Dearborn plans to install a universally accessible kayak launch next year. The group received a few paddling tips from Motor City Canoe and Kayak Rental, who was also on hand to rent boats and paddling equipment.

The trip from Dearborn Hills downstream to Ford Field Park delivered a spectacular perspective of the Rouge. There were a few bubbling rapids, and logjams to navigate around and under. The group paddled under bridges at Outer Driver and Military Streets and floated from the cover of dense tree canopies into the open sections where the sun peeked through the clouds. Evidence of beaver activity was abundant, and the sighting of a great blue heron is always a treat.

Thank you to all who attended and helped open logjams this summer and fall to make this paddle trip possible! Enjoy a few pictures from the day’s adventure! We hope you will join us on our next paddle trip. Stay tuned!

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Friends of the Rouge and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan have joined forces 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!

Stay Tuned for Upcoming Events!

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.