Paddle Antrim Festival 2026

Enjoy two mornings on the water trail, each day offering a manageable but still challenging distance with varied scenery and more narrow/calm waterways.

Day 1 Route: Ellsworth → Central Lake
Day 2 Route: Bellaire (Ohio Street) → Dockside Beach
Average time to complete each day is : 4 - 5 hours if going at a slow pace (based on paddling 2 mph)
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate / Recreational friendly

Enjoy two mornings on the water trail. Challenge yourself on Day 1 by paddling the full day through Intermediate Lake for a total of 15 miles. Enjoy a more relaxed Day 2 and end your day early with a 9 mile paddle to Dockside beach

Day 1 Route: Ellsworth → Richardi Park
Day 2 Route: Bellaire (Ohio Street) → Dockside Beach

Difficulty: Moderate

This two day challenge is for advanced paddlers only seeking two full-day expeditions on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. Participants must have excellent paddling efficiency, strong navigation skills, and the stamina to maintain a steady pace throughout a long day on the water.

Paddlers registering for this challenge must have a minimum 12-foot boat, and kayaks must have watertight bulkheads.

Day 1 Route: Ellsworth → Bellaire (15 miles)
Day 2 Route: Bellaire (Ohio Street) → Torch River Bridge (17 miles)

Difficulty: Advanced

Take on the full Chain of Lakes Water Trail Challenge! Finishers will join the Festival Hall of Fame. This two day challenge is for advanced/expert paddlers only seeking two full-day expeditions on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. Participants must have excellent paddling efficiency, strong navigation skills, and the stamina to maintain a steady pace throughout a long day on the water.

Paddlers registering for this challenge must have a minimum 12-foot boat, and kayaks must have watertight bulkheads.

Paddlers must be able to finish the Day 2 Route by 4 pm - a distance of 27 miles in 8 hours (average page of about 3.37 miles per hour.)

Day 1 Route: Ellsworth → Bellaire (15 miles)
Day 2 Route: Bellaire (Ohio Street) → Elk Rapids (27 miles)

Difficulty: Advanced/Expert

A calmer stretch with narrower waterways. Perfect for paddlers who want a steady pace, more time to enjoy nature, or those newer to paddling. We recommend this route for recreational paddlers, beginner paddlers, and/or those looking for a calm scenic paddle.

Route: Ellsworth → Central Lake
Average time to complete: 3.5 hours (based on paddling 2 miles per hour)
Difficulty: Easy / Beginner-Friendly/Recreational

Starts with the Relaxed Paddle route (Ellsworth to Central Lake), option to get out in Central Lake for lunch, then continues into Intermediate Lake, where open water and wind add excitement. Ideal for intermediate or advanced paddlers looking for a longer, more challenging day.
Please note: To complete this during the designated event time, a paddler must be able to paddle at least 2.5 miles per hour.

Route: Ellsworth → Bellaire (Richardi Park)
Average time to complete: 6.5 hours (based on paddling 2.5 mph)
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced

A manageable distance with varied scenery, passing through the wildlife rich Grass River Natural Area —a relaxing way to enjoy the morning on the water.

Route: Bellaire (Ohio Street) → Dockside Beach
Average time to complete: 4.5 hours (based on paddling 2 mph)
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

This demanding route is designed for intermediate and advanced paddlers. The 17-mile journey moves through narrow river sections and exposed open water where wind, waves, and endurance come into play. Paddlers must be able to maintain a minimum pace of 2.5 mph for extended periods and be comfortable navigating changing conditions throughout the day.

NOTE: Participants need at least a 12 ft boat; kayaks must have watertight bulkheads.

Route: Bellaire (Ohio Street) → Torch River Bridge
Average time to complete: 7 hours (based on paddling 2.5 mph)
Difficulty: Advanced

This route is for advanced paddlers only seeking a full-day expedition on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. This 27-mile route spans rivers, lakes, and large open-water crossings where wind, waves, and fatigue are real factors. Participants must have excellent paddling efficiency, strong navigation skills, and the stamina to maintain a steady pace throughout a long day on the water.

A minimum 12-foot boat is required, and kayaks must have watertight bulkheads.

Route: Bellaire (Ohio Street) → Elk Rapids
Average Time: 9 hours (based on paddling 3 mph)
Difficulty: Advanced