PHOTO COURTESY OF PADDLE ANTRIM
Northern Michigan’s only state-designated water trail now has signs marking various access points along the 99 miles of its trails. Paddlesports nonprofit Paddle Antrim has been working since 2015 to make the Chain of Lakes Water Trail more accessible to visitors, and the new signs will mark access points to help paddlers more safely explore the waterways.
“While the lakes have always existed, the water trail provides the information people need to make decisions on where to paddle,” says Deana Jerdee, executive director of Paddle Antrim. “We have worked with our partners to identify 84 access sites and consolidate the information so people know where they can launch, what amenities are available, what distances they will travel and more to help create a quality paddling experience.”
The water trails provide access to lively waterfront communities along the way, including Ellsworth, Central Lake, Bellaire and Elk Rapids. Visitors can kayak, canoe, paddleboard and fish their way along the Chain of Lakes, easily walking to various downtowns to explore between paddles.
Paddle Antrim raised $275,000 to fund the project, which includes additional information on stewardship, safety and paddling experiences at kiosks located at key access points along the way. To find out more, visit paddleantrim.com.
