ELK RAPIDS — The Chain of Lakes Water Trail in Michigan has been designated as the state’s first Pure Michigan Water Trail.
According to an April 22 news release, the announcement was made on April 16 at the 2025 Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
The Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town designation program, overseen by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, celebrates exemplary outdoor experiences that positively impact communities and promote Michigan’s natural beauty. The Chain of Lakes Water Trail, located in Northern Michigan’s Antrim County and hosted by Paddle Antrim, stood out as a model for accessibility, stewardship and community engagement.
The announcement was made on April 16 at the 2025 Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
The Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town designation program, overseen by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, celebrates exemplary outdoor experiences that positively impact communities and promote Michigan’s natural beauty. The Chain of Lakes Water Trail, located in Northern Michigan’s Antrim County and hosted by Paddle Antrim, stood out as a model for accessibility, stewardship, and community engagement.
“The Pure Michigan Trail program recognizes Michigan pathways that provide a quality trail experience, whether these trail users are hiking, biking, riding or paddling,” said Tim Novak, State Trails Coordinator for the Michigan DNR. “The Chain of Lakes Water Trail has broad-based community support and provides safe, accessible recreational experiences for paddlers of all abilities. The trail provides substantial economic and social impacts while improving quality of life for residents and visitors to Antrim County. We are proud to designate the Chain of Lakes Water Trail as a Pure Michigan Trail.”
Stretching across 12 lakes and interconnected rivers with over 100 miles of paddling, the Chain of Lakes Water Trail connects over 80 public access sites, making it a paddling destination for people of all skill levels. Since Paddle Antrim opened the water trail with signs on the ground and paddler resources in 2021, the organization has worked closely with local governments, businesses, and volunteers to improve signage, access, safety and educational resources.
Paddle Antrim offers the public many opportunities to get out and experience the water trail firsthand through its events and classes. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced paddler, there are various programs designed to teach paddling skills, promote safety and foster a deeper connection to the local waterways. Paddle Antrim’s paddling classes and community paddles provide an accessible way for everyone to enjoy the beauty and benefits of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail.
“Paddle Antrim is honored that the Chain of Lakes Water Trail — which we proudly host and steward in Northern Michigan — has been recognized as the first Pure Michigan Water Trail,” said Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim. “This designation celebrates our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, accessible paddling experiences while protecting the health of our cherished waterways. We look forward to continuing our efforts to enhance access, stewardship, and safety across the entire Chain of Lakes Water Trail, and we invite you to come explore all it has to offer.”
In celebration of the Pure Michigan Water Trail designation and the start of the paddling season, Paddle Antrim invites the public to join them on Saturday, May 31 for a special event in Bellaire, MI. The day will begin with a paddle on the Intermediate River, followed by a community celebration at Short’s Bellaire Beer Garden from 2-5 pm. This event is open to paddlers of all skill levels and promises a fun and engaging afternoon to kick off the season. More details about the event can be found at www.paddleantrim.com/events.
Stretching across 12 lakes and interconnected rivers with over 100 miles of paddling, the Chain of Lakes Water Trail connects over 80 public access sites, making it a paddling destination for people of all skill levels. Since Paddle Antrim opened the water trail with signs on the ground and paddler resources in 2021, the organization has worked closely with local governments, businesses, and volunteers to improve signage, access, safety, and educational resources.
Paddle Antrim offers the public many opportunities to get out and experience the water trail firsthand through its events and classes. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced paddler, there are various programs designed to teach paddling skills, promote safety, and foster a deeper connection to the local waterways. Paddle Antrim’s paddling classes and community paddles provide an accessible way for everyone to enjoy the beauty and benefits of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail.
“Paddle Antrim is honored that the Chain of Lakes Water Trail — which we proudly host and steward in Northern Michigan — has been recognized as the first Pure Michigan Water Trail,” said Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim. “This designation celebrates our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, accessible paddling experiences while protecting the health of our cherished waterways. We look forward to continuing our efforts to enhance access, stewardship, and safety across the entire Chain of Lakes Water Trail, and we invite you to come explore all it has to offer.”
In celebration of the Pure Michigan Water Trail designation and the start of the paddling season, Paddle Antrim invites the public to join them on Saturday, May 31 for a special event in Bellaire, MI. The day will begin with a paddle on the Intermediate River, followed by a community celebration at Short’s Bellaire Beer Garden from 2-5 pm. This event is open to paddlers of all skill levels and promises a fun and engaging afternoon to kick off the season. More details about the event can be found at www.paddleantrim.com/events
For more information about the Chain of Lakes Water Trail or to plan your next paddling adventure, visit www.chainoflakeswatertrail.org
