About
Huron River, Michigan — 1817 Treaty of Fort Meigs, University of Michigan. Designated a National Water Trail in 2016, the Huron River flows 130 miles through Washtenaw and Wayne counties at an average 620 CFS. The system divides into three distinct characters: upper reaches from Proud Lake to Milford pass through lakes and wetlands, the middle section from Dexter to Ann Arbor cuts through urban parks and natural areas, and the lower stretch from Flat Rock to Lake Erie opens into wider water. At optimal flows of 300–1200 CFS, the Huron offers riffles rather than true rapids — this is a flatwater paddle with current. The 104-mile National Water Trail designation covers the most navigable sections, with access coordinated through outfitters like Argo Canoe Livery and Heavner Canoe Rental. USGS gauge 04174500 tracks flows for trip planning. The Potawatomi and Wyandot peoples established settlements along these waters long before European contact.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.