We need your support to help us improve access to and protect the water quality of our lakes and rivers.
Paddle Antrim’s mission is to protect our water resources by using paddle sports to connect people to our waterways.
Explore suggested water trail routes to create the perfect paddle experience for you and your group.
On June 3 officials from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Village of Elk Rapids, Paddle Antrim, and supporters gathered to officially cut the ribbon on a suite of trailblazing improvements at Rotary Park. The project marks a significant milestone for Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry, debuting the state’s first permanent non-motorized boat washing station and creating a new standard for universal accessibility. Rotary Park is a key… Read More »
Registration is officially open for the 11th Annual Paddle Antrim Festival, returning September 18–20, 2026. This premier event invites paddlers of all levels to explore the Chain of Lakes Water Trail—the only Pure Michigan-designated water trail in Northern Michigan—while enjoying a revamped weekend schedule designed for maximum participation and skill-building. To make the festival more inclusive for working professionals, Paddle Antrim has shifted its primary paddling days to Saturday and… Read More »
As the spring sun begins to slowly warm Northern Michigan, Paddle Antrim is joining organizations across the country to recognize May as National Water Safety Month. While the air may be starting to warm, Paddle Antrim is issuing a critical reminder: water levels on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail and surrounding waterways are unseasonably high, and water temperatures remain life-threateningly cold. Current data shows that Grand Traverse Bay and… Read More »