The Chain of Lakes Water Trail, spanning four counties and 84 access sites in northwest Michigan, is a 100-plus-mile inland water trail. The chain is divided into the Upper Chain and Lower Chain, separated by a dam in the village of Bellaire.

Water trails provide the infrastructure and information paddlers need to make decisions and have a quality experience on the water.

This water trail is made up of 12 lakes and interconnected rivers which flow into the East Grand Traverse Bay. The trail connects people to the natural environment as well as the vibrant communities of Ellsworth, Central Lake, Bellaire and Elk Rapids. These towns all have access points that allow paddlers to easily walk into town to enjoy the plentiful amenities including restaurants, retail stores, outfitters, art galleries and more.

To help paddlers create the right paddling experience, Paddle Antrim offers a 30-page waterproof guidebook and a digital map that can be downloaded through Avenza Maps. Visit chainoflakeswatertrail.org.

The Chain of Lakes Water Trail is hosted by Paddle Antrim, a 501(c)3 non-profit working to protect our waterways.