Huron River
The Huron River, winding through Ann Arbor, Dexter, and Ypsilanti, is a favorite spot for all kinds of recreation. From kayaking and canoeing to fishing and biking, the river is home to limitless opportunities. Named the 18th National Water Trail, the Huron River Water Trail is a 104-mile inland paddling trail.
Please note: The Barton Dam embankment remediation construction kicked off in March 2025.The dam is adjacent to Barton Pond, Barton Nature Area, Bird Hills Nature Area and trails to and along the Huron River. While the river is open for recreation, the city is asking boaters to plan ahead for where they will enter and exit the water and is alerting all visitors to the area. Learn more about the dam project.
Read more:
- 5 things to know when exploring the Huron River Trail >
- 5 reasons to plan an outdoor adventure along Ann Arbor's Huron River >
- Learn more about the Huron River Water Trail (HRWT) Trail Towns >
Just south of Portage Lake is the Flook Dam below which are 16 miles of free flowing river and one of the most popular canoe routes on the Huron River. Dexter lies in the middle of this segment and the downtown may be accessed by a short paddle up Mill Creek. The next 15 stretch is bordered mostly by parkland as the river cuts through and offers vistas into the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.
In the warmer weather, take a hike through the adjacent trails and picnic at one of the many parks. The options are endless, whether you want to try something new, like stand-up paddle boarding or stick with an old favorite and float down the river in a tube. Argo and Gallup Parks in Ann Arbor both currently offer inclusive universal access launches for everyone, including paddlers with disabilities.
Kayaking, Canoeing, and Tubing
Ann Arbor has been called one of North America’s (Next) Best Paddling Towns by Canoe & Kayak Magazine, with good reason. Lovers of outdoor recreation rejoice– we’ve got it, no matter the season. If you can dream it, you can do it here. The Ann Arbor area champions its wealth of natural environments, with an incredible and diverse offering of parks, gardens, and outdoor attractions, making the perfect place for everything from kayaking and canoeing to stand-up paddle boarding.
The Huron River Water Trail – 104 miles of inland paddling and five Trail Towns along the way – is designated a National Water Trail by the Park Service. From rapids to calm waters and from small towns to city stops, a variety of adventures await. The Huron River is the perfect destination for a day on the water, so grab some friends and a couple kayaks from one of the many liveries along the river and get paddling! Gallup Park is an incredible natural area full of great views and outdoor activities.
Located along the Huron River, Gallup Park provides picnic areas, trails for biking and walking, and most importantly, a canoe livery. There, you can rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and whatever else you may need for your outdoor excursion. Find our full listing of outdoor recreation areas here!
No matter the season, the Huron River maintains some of the best outdoor recreation experiences available across the Ann Arbor, Dexter and Ypsilanti communities!