xtras

Paddling the Huron: A quick reference

The friendly staff at Sun & Snow Sports has compiled a quick reference quide to the easiest places to put-in and take-out spots along the Huron in or around the Ann Arbor Area. Be sure to contact us to add your favorite spots of let us know what you think of ours!

Huron river - Proud Lake to Milford

This trip takes about 3 hours. Depending on flow, current is often light enough that one can paddle upstream and float back with minimal difficulty. When water is low, one may scrape bottom or be forced to portage occasionally. Route passes through several places with toilet facilities and the oak grove cemetery. NOTE: if you put in at Proud Lake Recreation Area a parks vehicle permit is required.

Huron River - Fuller Rec. Area - Gilbert Park

This is a great trip for beginners as there is enough water to keep you on the move. There is often slow water that will require a bit of paddling though.  There are also several spots, such as Gallup Park, that can be used as put-ins and take outs for a shorter trip. You will have to portage occasionally, but there is a trail for portaging around the dams that make it relatively easy. Take-out is just past Gilbert Park and is visible from the river.

Huron River - Barton Dam to Argo Livery

This short and relaxing trip (only 2 miles by river) begins at just below Barton Pond at Bird Hills Nature Area and brings paddlers through Argo pond to Argo Park. Great for folks with kids, this trip requires no portages and passes access to two public restrooms.

Huron River - Argo Park to Gallup Park

This leisurely 3.7 mile trip takes paddlers through Fuller Park and the magnificent A2 Arboretum.  Easily accessible paths make the two portages on this trip easy. This can, at times, be a crowded stretch of the river, with many paddlers renting from the liveries that service both Argo Park and Gallup Park, so those looking for a more pristine trip may with to hit the river early in the morning. The upside to this is that with both ends serviced by a livery this trip can be made easier by parking your car at Gallup and paying to have your boats transported up-river for you.  This trip is also accessible to those without their own boat, as rentals are available.  

Huron River - Delhi Metro Park to Argo

Putting in at Delhi Metro park and taking at Argo Park, this trip covers 7 miles by water. About ¾ of a mile into the trip, paddlers will find themselves on some light rapids between East Delhi Rd. and Huron River Dr. Be prepared for brief portage at the Barton Pond dam.

Huron River - Dexter-Huron Metro Park to Argo Park

The trip from Dexter-Huron Metro Park to Argo Park will take paddlers on a 10 mile run through two short sets of class II rapids and three public restrooms for those who found the rapids scary. Paddlers will find two portages along the way, one above Delhi and one at Barton Pond. Most days, the current should keep you moving at a good clip.

Huron River - Barton Dam to Gallup Park

With a gentle trip through Bird Hills, Argo Pond (Bandemer Park), Island Park and the A2 Arboretum, this is a great trip for bird-watchers, sight seers, and anglers. With no rapids and 4 restrooms, this is great 6 mile trip for the family who wants to spend the day on the water.

Huron River - Dexter-Huron Metro Park to Delhi Metro Park