Paddle Antrim Warns Paddlers to Take Extra Caution During Early Season Outings

It has been a slow start to spring in Northern Michigan and the water remains colder than usual this time of year. While paddlers and boaters are itching to get out on the water, Paddle Antrim warns paddlers to take precautions to protect themselves from heightened dangers of sudden, unexpected cold-water immersion while on early season paddling outings. While spring is in the air and outside temperatures are warming, lake… Read More »


Applications Being Accepted for Spring Ripple Effect Mini-Grant Program

Paddle Antrim is now accepting applications for their 2022 Ripple Effect Mini-Grant Program. This bi-annual competitive grant program supports projects that protect the waterways and connect people to them. Potential projects must focus on stewardship, education, or increasing accessibility to the lakes and rivers. Launched in 2015, this program has awarded over $25,800 to 17 projects that have made an impact on over 10 communities. The Ripple Effect Mini-Grant Program… Read More »


Paddle Antrim Funds Paddling Safety and Stewardship Projects Through Mini Grant Program

Paddle Antrim is pleased to announce that it will award $1,805 to two projects that positively impact the Chain of Lakes Water Trail and surrounding Northern Michigan waterways through its Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program. “Our Ripple Effect Mini Grant program provides a wonderful way for us to expand our impact by funding projects that align with our mission of protecting our waterways and connecting people to these amazing waters… Read More »


Paddle Antrim and The Village of Elk Rapids Partner to Improve Rotary Park

We are excited to announce that a partnership agreement with the Village of Elk Rapids has been signed to move forward with improvements to Elk Rapids Rotary Park. We have been working on design improvements with the village since 2016 and are pleased to be moving to this next phase.  Elk Rapids is the gateway to the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, offering over 100 miles for paddlers to explore… Read More »


Life Jackets and Proper Cold Water Gear Save Lives As Water Temperatures Drop

As temperatures in Northern Michigan are cooling down, Paddle Antrim warns paddlers to take precautions to protect themselves from heightened dangers of sudden, unexpected cold water immersion while on late season paddling outings. “Whenever paddlers are out on the water, they should dress with the assumption they may end up in the water,” says Deana Jerdee, Paddle Antrim Executive Director. “With the cooler weather, water temperatures have dropped and therefore… Read More »


Applications Being Accepted for Paddle Antrim’s Ripple Effect Mini-Grant Program

 Paddle Antrim is pleased to announce that they are now accepting applications for their 2021 Ripple Effect Mini-Grant Program. This competitive grant program funds projects that protect the waterways and connect people to them. Potential projects must focus on stewardship, education, or increasing accessibility to the lakes and rivers. A list of completed projects funded by this Mini Grant Program can be found on the completed projects page.  Since 2015,… Read More »


Planning Your Two Day Adventure on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail

Photo Credit: Pure Michigan  The Chain of Lakes Water Trail is a 100+ mile water trail that spans four counties: Charlevoix, Antrim, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska. Best suited for day trips, the water trail has experiences appropriate for all paddling levels from beginner to advanced. The small lakes and meandering rivers in the Upper Chain are great for beginners or anyone who loves a peaceful paddle filled with rare wildlife.… Read More »


Become a Wellspring Supporter – Help us Keep our Waters Pristine

Do you love our waterways and want to keep them clean for generations to come? At Paddle Antrim we know that connecting people to our waterways through paddle sports is key to keeping our waterways pristine. Increasing water resource protection is also critical to the economic vitality of this region which is largely driven by water tourism.  A wellspring is a source/head of a spring, stream, or river. A continual… Read More »


Non-Competitive Two-Day Paddling Event on Northern Michigan Water Trail

Registration is now open for the 2021 Paddle Antrim Festival, September 16th-18th. Now in its sixth year the Paddle Antrim Festival is the best way to experience the Chain of Lakes Water Trail and the quaint lakeside communities surrounding the trail. This fun, non-competitive event provides opportunities for all levels of paddlers to participate one or two days and paddle 7 to 42 miles. This event highlights the wide-range of… Read More »


Connecting Northern Michigan’s Waterways and Communities – One Paddle at a Time

Paddle Antrim is pleased to announce that the Chain of Lakes Water Trail in Northwest Michigan is officially open to the public. In 2014, efforts began to create a 100+ mile water trail – making paddling the Chain of Lakes accessible and navigable for paddlers. Now in 2021, this goal has become a reality as the non-profit organization celebrated the Chain of Lakes Water Trail Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, May… Read More »