Our “Paddle Back” trips, named because you will paddle out and paddle back to the launch point, are our most popular and flexible option.  Book the amount of time you want to be on the river, and include any picnic or swimming time as well.

Our section of the Huron River boasts a gentle current of about 2-3 MPH and is easily navigable by all ages and skill levels.  Between the prevailing winds that blow to the west-east, and the river current that flows east-west, they usually balance out for no real affect.  There are, of course, exceptions in the wind patterns, but with the trees that shelter most of the river it is almost guaranteed to be a relaxing experience.  For reference, we have had kids as young as 8-10 be able to handle a kayak by themselves, and routinely have school groups with two 6th graders managing a canoe.

When leaving our site, located at 2775 Garden Rd, Milford, MI, you have two choices:

1. Head to the right:  Paddle upstream into the Proud Lake Recreation area – a natural wilderness experience full of nature – for up to 3 hours (one-way) of paddling through 4000 acres of pristine wilderness.  The river is gated at Benstein Rd and you can go no further.  When you decide you’ve had enough, simply turn around and paddle back downstream to return to where you started.  This is our most popular route, as there are several spots along the way to picnic and swim.  One hour away is the cute footbridge and little dam that is a popular
2. Upstream First (very easy) – you paddle into the Proud Lake State Park – a natural wilderness experience full of nature – in one hour you are at the cute footbridge and little dam with a swimming hole.  There are severaGreat for picnics.  If wanted, can continue upstream, across Proud Lake (which can be more difficult and windy) to the Proud Lake Campground boat launch on the right, or to the North Boat Launch at Bass Lake to the left.  When returning from the campground, stay to the right.  Keep the far bank on your right.  If you stay to the left, you end up in a “cul-de-sac” and have to turn around.  
3. Downstream (easy)  In one hour you are at Milford Central Park.  Feel free to park your boat and enjoy some ice cream and shopping then paddle back upstream to return.  The furthest you can go is just past Milford Central Park, do NOT go over the BIG Mill Pond Dam just past the park.  I mark it as Easy vs Very Easy bc at the end of a long afternoon, the return paddle can be a little more tiring than just going with the weak current.