Looking for the best kayaking near Traverse City, Michigan? The Traverse City Area is full of beautiful lakes and rivers, and has some of the best kayaking spots in Michigan. From crystal clear inland lakes and fast moving rivers to Lake Michigan, here are some of the best places to kayak near Traverse City!

Best Kayaking near Traverse City, Michigan:

Traverse City is a kayaker’s paradise! Between the large crystal clear lakes, small quiet lakes with wildlife, wild rivers, and open Lake Michigan, there is an excellent kayaking spot near Traverse City for everyone. For detailed paddling routes including camping options, hazards, and more, click here.

1) Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

One of the most beautiful places to kayak near Traverse City is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Here, you can find soft sand dunes, beautiful views, and more. Families looking for a safe and warm paddle can head to North Bar Lake.

If you’re looking for more of a challenge, head out to Lake Michigan for some Great Lakes Sea Kayaking. Kayaking the Sleeping Bear Dunes will take you over beautiful green water, and next to large sandstone bluffs.

Sea kayaking on the Great Lakes can be dangerous! Lake Michigan is prone to large waves, cold water, and unpredictable weather. You can read more about Great Lakes sea kayaking here.

Did you know Lake Michigan is the most deadly Great Lake?

According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, Lake Michigan consistently sees the most drownings and deaths of all of the Great Lakes. While Lake Superior has the coldest water and is commonly thought of as the most dangerous Great Lake, Lake Michigan consistently sees more visitors every year.

Lake Michigan also lacks the deadly reputation of Lake Superior, which may lead people to assume the Lake is safer for swimming, kayaking, and other water sports. Use extreme caution and good judgement when kayaking on ANY of the Great Lakes. On all Great Lakes, the Coast Guard recommends use of a 15+ foot sea kayak with sealed bulkheads. Open top canoes are not recommended on the Great Lakes.

Kayaking on Lake Michigan is a beautiful experience, but be aware that weather conditions change quickly. While you may launch from a bay on what seems like a calm and sunny day, you might quickly find yourself in larger waves and swept away from shore. Lake Michigan also is subject to fog, cold waters, and squalls.

For a detailed PDF download on hiking, paddling, and camping in the Traverse City area with google maps links and quiet campsite recommendations, click here!

2) The Manistee River

The Manistee River is one of the best places to kayak near Traverse City. Winding from Fife Lake through Mesick and eventually down to Manistee, this river is one of the best rivers in Michigan for overnight paddling.

While most people backpack the Manistee River Trail, opt instead for an overnight kayak or canoe trip. For a detailed overnight paddling route for the Manistee River, check out Hidden Gems of the Northern Great Lakes: A Trail and Paddling Guide.

The Manistee River is especially beautiful to paddle in the Fall. Note that this river has a strong current, and you will likely have to organize a separate put-in and pick up.

3) Fife Lake

Looking for a small town, a small lake, and a classic Northwoods experience? Head over to Fife Lake, Michigan to explore a small lake with two islands. Camping is available at the Spring Lake State Forest Campground.

Fife Lake is one of the best kayaking spots near Traverse City for families. Nearby Historic Fife Lake has a beautiful public beach, an ice cream shop, and a friendly small town vibe. Visit The Loon’s Nest for some excellent Northwoods food after your paddle or swim.

Fife Lake is one of the best places to kayak near Traverse City away from the crowds, and perfect for families.

Looking for what to pack for your kayaking trip? I’ve got you covered!

4) The Chain of Lakes

One of the best places to kayak near Traverse City is the Chain of Lakes. Beginning at Sixmile Lake near Ellsworth and ending where Elk Lake flows into Lake Michigan, the Chain of Lakes offers miles of kayaking for paddlers of all levels.

The Upper Chain of Lakes features flat water, near-wilderness kayaking with an opportunity to camp and one of the several State Forest Campgrounds. The Middle Chain, from Bellaire on the Intermediate River through Clam Lake, is an excellent stretch to see wildlife and work with the current. Meanwhile, the Lower Chain of Lakes beginning at Torch Lake and ending at Elk Lake offers more difficult paddling, deeper and clear water, and the potential for large waves, particularly on Torch and Elk Lakes.

For more information on kayaking the Chain of Lakes, including detailed routes and put-in points, check out Hidden Gems of the Northern Great Lakes: A Trail and Paddling Guide.

5) The Grass River

In the middle of the Chain of Lakes, the Grass River is a sandy bottomed river that runs from Lake Bellaire to Clam Lake. Running through the Grass River Natural Area, the Grass River the perfect place to spot wildlife while you paddle. While paddling the Grass River, I’ve seen swans, river otter, turtles, muskrat, and more.

The Grass River is warm and beautiful but the current is fast! On hot summer days, there may be boat traffic. Put in on Lake Bellaire, and be prepared to paddle up river on your way back.

The Grass River also has multiple streams you can paddle up and explore. If you’re looking for the best place to kayak near Traverse City for wildlife and exploring, the Grass River should be at the top of your list!

6) Torch Lake

Torch Lake is one of the largest inland lakes in Michigan, at 19 miles long and two miles wide. Notorious for it’s clean and clear water, Torch Lake is easily one of the most beautiful places to kayak near Traverse City, Michigan.

There are multiple public access points on Torch Lake, but the south end of the lake is best for kayaking. Note that motor boat traffic and/or wind could make for a bumpy ride! Assess paddling conditions and safety before you hop on the water. Always wear your life jacket (PFD) and be sure to have a way to call for help.

Torch Lake can be crowded. I recommend visiting in spring or fall, with a wetsuit to combat cold water temperatures. In the summer, visit in the early morning or late afternoon.

Torch Lake is not a suitable paddle for younger children or families! Paddling with nearby motorboats can be dangerous, and waves on Torch Lake can be large.

7) Torch River

While most people head straight for Torch Lake, Torch River also offers beautiful paddling! An early morning paddle on Torch River will take you past small boathouses, wetlands, and eventually out to Lake Skegemog.

But be careful! In the afternoon with motorboat traffic and increased winds the entrance to Torch River can form large waves and small rapids. I recommend visiting in the early morning, or avoiding this section entirely. Put in at DNR launch ramp or Lake Skegemog to avoid strong currents and potentially hazardous waters.

check out the Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle for over 300+ pages of detailed adventure planning including hidden waterfalls, the best campsites, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and more covering Sleeping Bear to the end of the Gunflint Trail and everything in-between!

Looking for more Paddling & Trail Guides?

• Explore the best kayaking spots on Lake Superior
• Check out the 30 Best Thing to do in the Pictured Rocks
• Here are thirty Midwest Hiking Trails, ranked best to worst. Where does your favorite fall?

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