Huron River Water Trail

Explore the Huron River Water Trail

The Huron River Water Trail covers 104 miles through Michigan's Lower Peninsula and welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually. The paddling zones of the river range from raging rapids to calm waters. Ann Arbor is the largest of five Trail Towns where visitors can enter the river, find amenities like parks and boat storage, and frequent nearby campgrounds, hotels, and dining establishments. While paddling is available in the spring and summer, visitors can cross-country ski, snowshoe, and ice skate in the area if they visit in the winter months.

Ann Arbor Region of the Huron River Water Trail

Popular Launch Points

The Ann Arbor region of the Huron River Water Trail comprises miles 53 to 46. Popular launch points along this section include the Argo Nature Area and Livery, as well as Gallup Park and Livery. At Argo, travelers can rent canoes, kayaks, and multiperson rafts to paddle downstream through beautiful scenery, placid ponds, and the Argo Cascades, which feature adrenaline-pumping manmade drops and pools. At Gallup Park, you can choose between canoe, kayak, paddleboat, and rowboat rentals for your river adventure. On shore, the park features a 3-mile asphalt trail, playgrounds, fishing spots, picnic areas, and concession stands.

Paddling Routes

One of the most popular river routes is a 1.5-hour paddling trip from Argo to Gallup. Visitors craving a longer journey should consider kayaking 2.5 hours from Barton to Gallup or 4 hours from Delhi to Argo. Recent travelers reported that Gallup Park is a beautiful area to hike, walk, and explore the river, while Argo is great for kayaking and tubing. Some visitors recommended arriving in the morning to take in the relaxing scenery and watch the geese and other birds.

Operational Hours and Rental Information

Argo Park Livery is open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from late May to early September, with boat rentals available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rental fees range from $21 to $72, depending on the kind of boat you rent. Gallup Park Livery is open between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., and travelers can rent boats from the end of May to the beginning of September between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Prices range from $12 to $20 per vessel for one or two hours. Reservations are recommended, especially on the weekends. To learn more, visit the Huron River Water Trail website.