Map Legend

Dickinson Island

SeawayIsland

Bouvier Bay

Goose Bay

Big Musc

amoot

Bay

Launch Sites

Landing / Port-of-Refuge

Landing / Marina Amenites

Channel Markers

Public Parks / Waterfronts

Water

Marina Districts

Urban Centers

Historical / Natural Features

Caution / High Volume Motorized Boat Traffic

12 Mile Rd.

Jeffe

rson A

ve.

29

29

29

Metro BeachMetropark

St. ClairFlats State

Wildlife Area

Campau Bay

BelvidereBay

Pier Park

Memorial Park

Neff Park

Clinton River

Salt River MarshState Wildlife

Sanctuary

South ChannelLights

Peche Island Provincial Park

AnchorBay

3

Grati

ot Av

e.

Grati

ot Av

e.

11 Mile Rd.

VFW Park

15 Mile Rd.

Hall Rd.

21 Mile Rd.

23 Mile Rd.

Sugarbush Rd.

Jeffers

on Ave.

Grosse PointeShores

Belle Isle Park

Unite

d St

ates

Canad

a

Harpe

r Ave

.Gr

eater

Mac

k Ave

.

10 Mile Rd.

9 Mile Rd.

8 Mile Rd.

7 Mile Rd.

Kerch

eval

Ave.

N. River Rd.

S. River Road

New Baltimore

Detroit Heritage River Water Trail

Clinton River Water Trail

St. Clair River Water Trail

Harrison Township

Mt. Clemens

St. ClairShores

1

5

6

7

8

10

11

3

4

St. John’s Marsh

5

6 South

Chan

nel

Channel

St. Clair Shores City Center

Blossom HeathPark

2

1

3

4

12

14

13 15

16

1719

2 Harsens Island

Michigan Harbor Marina

Beacon Cove Marina

Belle Maer Harbor

Terry’s Marina Hidden Harbor

9

Anglers Point

18

21

22

Chesterfield Historical Village

Selfridge Military Air Museum

StrawberryIsland

Sunken BargeShipwreck

St. Clair River Water Trail

St. Clair River Water Trail

0 1 Mile 2.5 Miles

20

Middle Channel

North

Clinton RiverBoat Club

St. John’s MarshThis rarely-visited destination is a watery, wildlife paradise. Visitors can lose themselves and their worries in a maze of swaying grasses, cattails, bulrushes and aquatic plants. Plan on two to three hours of casual paddling to see the entire area. In times of low water, the marsh becomes very shallow with mud flats prohibiting full access to the marsh interior. Although these times pose a temporary inconvenience to paddlers, they are beneficial to the stability of the environment.

South Channel LightsBuilt before Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, the Old South Channel Range Lights still stand. These historic beacons once guided ships through the largest fresh water delta in the world, formerly known as the Venice of America. Thought to be doomed in the mid 1980s, these lights are now well maintained by the group Save Our South Channel Lights and are recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. www.SOSChannelLights.org

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Harsens IslandThis fan-shaped pattern of islands is a little-known watery delight, offering a variety of pleasant day trips. Formed where the St. Clair River empties into Lake St. Clair, it is the centerpiece of the St. Clair Flats. Its marshes, channels and intricate network of canals and inlets are more important means of transportation than local roads during summer months. The area is reminiscent of fishing villages of the Eastern Seaboard or the bayous of the Mississippi Delta, yet it can be reached in one hour from downtown Detroit.

4 5 6

Edsel & Eleanor Ford HouseThis impressive, yet unpretentious home is where the Fords raised and nurtured their four children. It reflects their love of family as well as their mutual passion for art and quality living. Designed by Albert Kahn, the estate resembles a cluster of English village cottages, complete with stone roofs, vine-covered walls and lead-paned windows. The grounds appear to be almost completely natural, but were meticulously planned by famed landscape architect Jens Jensen. www.fordhouse.org

Salt River MarshShallow, slow flowing and swampy for most of its length, the Salt River's greatest depth is 6 feet. When paddling upstream from Anchor Bay, the river soon enters a large wetland and forested area. This lake-like marsh supports rare plant species including the four angled spiker bush. Sodium and chlorine-rich groundwater once seeped from ancient saline aquifers to create this rare plant community. This area was referred to as a deer lick or salt lick by early European settlers.

SELECTED HISTORICAL AND NATURAL FEATURES

Metro Beach - Black Creek Marsh Sometimes referred to as the North Metro Marsh, the Black Creek Marsh is comprised of approximately 350 acres along the banks of the Black Creek. Natural features of interest include the 1935 creek channel, open water, wetlands and a wet meadow – a bird watcher's paradise. The park’s Nature Center has recorded 275 bird species within this area. The marsh was enhanced using 2010 EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding. www.metroparks.com

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Launch Site LegendAMENITIES12345678910111213

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Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Chapaton Park Harrison Twp. Lakefront Park Spillway Park DNR Launch, Clinton River Cut-Off Metro Beach South Marsh Metro Beach Launch DNR Harley Ensign Launch Blue Lagoon Marina DNR Selfridge Launch Vase Creek Cotton Road Ending Salt River GC and Putt-Putt Brandenburg Park Walter and Mary Burke Park Reudisal Park Waterworks Neighborhood Park Great Lakes Decks and Docks DNR Fair Haven Launch The Kayak Store Deckers Landing DNR Launch Snooks DNR Launch

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People have inhabited the Lake St. Clair region for more than 9,000 years. Native Americans, fur traders, European settlers and modern North Americans have all called this region home. Since Cadillac, the explorer, arrived by canoe in 1701 to this rich natural area, Lake St. Clair has remained a recreational attraction.

The Flats region, as the Lake St. Clair delta is called, offered early Detroiters outstanding hunting and fishing, which eventually stimulated an entertainment economy. Restaurants, hotels and amusement parks prospered throughout the early 20th Century. Tashmoo Park opened on Harsens Island in 1897, equipped with a casino, dance pavilion, roller rink, and sports area. The 306-foot Tashmoo steamship, the largest of its kind on the Great Lakes, transported up to 3,500 passengers to the island from Detroit on a regular basis.

Today, Lake St. Clair continues to attract water sport enthusiasts. Some of the best muskie fishing in the world is found here. The highly developed U.S. coastline hosts over 20 marinas, thousands of residential properties, and many paddleboat launch sites – all providing ports for water activity. The lake's clarity and natural beauty are great attractions. Many historic landmarks remain in place for discovery.

HISTORIC CONTEXT

Photo courtesy of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

Cour

tesy

of “

Life

at th

e Fl

ats”

Metropolitan Pkwy.

13 Mile Rd.

Soft S

hore

Laun

chBo

at La

unch

Parki

ngRe

stroo

msPi

cnic

Table

s / G

rills

Swim

ming

Resta

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Lake Sho

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Jefferson Ave.

Lake St. ClairCoastal Water TrailPaddling Routes“Wouldn’t it be worthwhile to put aside a little time each day – even just fifteen or thirty minutes – to forget your work and observe closely that flowers are blooming, the wind is blowing...”— Michio Hoshino

Maheras-Gentry Park

Grosse Pointe Farms

94

94

94

Selfridge National Guard Airbase

696

L A

K E

S T

. C L A I R

Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

Threemile DrivePark

Mariner Park

GrossePointe

Featured Paddle TripsThe FlatsImagine paddling through narrow passages surrounded by cattails, bulrushes and marsh grasses. As Tundra swans call out “wow-wow-ou” in the background, a great blue heron is startled and takes flight using its majestic, six-foot wingspan. The narrow channels open up and hundreds of ducks become visible – mallards, wigeons, pintails, green-winged teals and ringnecks. While immersed in this natural world, the silhouette of Detroit’s skyline can be seen on the horizon.

This is the St. Clair River Delta, locally called The Flats – the largest freshwater delta in the world. Excursions ranging from several hours to the entire day can be enjoyed in these shallow waters. Stay close to shore to enjoy wildlife, or pack a lunch and paddle out to the South Channel Lights. Although rich with adventures for both novice and experienced paddlers, encountering motorized boat traffic is not uncommon. The U.S. portion of The Flats area is approximately 25,000 acres. About 54% of that total is water, with Harsens and Dickinson islands making up most of the land area.

Anchor Bay – North CoastCalm water and minimal motorboat traffic make this area an easy paddle – even for beginners. The City of New Baltimore offers a soft shore launch site from Walter and Mary Burke Park and many other leisure activities for the entire family, including a popular sandy public beach for sunning and swimming. Shopping and dining venues in the City's quaint downtown district surround the park. Private residences and an occasional marina, line most of Anchor Bay's north coastline.The Salt River is easily accessed from several launch sites on

Some of southeast Michigan's best residential architecture graces Lake St. Clair's waterfront from the City of St. Clair Shores to Belle Isle in Detroit. Launch sites are limited along this stretch of coastline, although the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House offers easy access and many amenities, including tours of the historic home and gardens. From here, paddlers can venture south to see many magnificent “Point Community” estates from their most attractive side or head north to the Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores to view the shoreline’s greatest concentration of gift shops, marinas and parkland.

Lake St. Clair's south coast is open to a large expanse of open water. Paddlers should be aware that conditions can change quickly. Strong currents are also present, particularly when approaching the Detroit River. Freighter traffic can be encountered in this area and is best seen from a distance. Extra caution should be taken near seawalls due to wave action against the walls which prohibit beaching your kayak or canoe.

Canoeing and kayaking in Lake St. Clair is a high-quality, recreational experience but requires an understanding of various hazards. High winds and accompanying waves can easily swamp small watercraft. High wakes trailing behind fast-moving, motorized watercraft are equally dangerous, and collisions can be deadly. Paddling far from shore can result in becoming lost. Keep the shoreline in sight at all times. Good swimming skills and experience on smaller water bodies are recommended before paddling in Lake St. Clair. Always paddle with a buddy and check marine weather conditions before launching. Make sure someone who is staying ashore knows the route you plan to paddle and when you expect to return. www.weather.gov

Safety Gear: Always wear a personal flotation device (life preserver). Wear protective footwear that can get wet. Expect to be in the water at some point on your trip. Pack personal gear in a waterproof bag and secure it to your boat to avoid losing items if capsizing occurs.

Safe Landing Areas: Several “Ports-of-Refuge” are indicated on the guide map. These are for your use when in need of an emergency landing. They are not public launch sites.

Advance Your Skill Level: Look for classes offered to enhance your canoeing and kayaking skill level, or join a paddling club to maximize your enjoyment when on the water.

This publication is provided only as a general guide. It is a graphic rendition of what paddlers might experience on Lake St. Clair. Conditions on the lake are subject to constant change. Do not rely on this guide as a navigational tool or to identify all hazards. Paddle times depicted on

featured trip maps are approximate and can vary based on skill level, energy level and weather conditions. Remember that kayaking and canoeing have inherent risks and you are solely responsible for your own safety. For additional information visit:

www.TourLakeStClair.com www.miseagrant.umich.edu

Metro Beach MetroparkFrom a soft shore launch on the park's south side, playful paddling is experienced when heading east along the park's popular beach area. A westerly voyage offers views of the 96-acre Point Rosa Marsh. Both of these trips are suitable for beginners and can be accomplished in about 1 hour.

The Black Creek Marsh is on the park's north side, offering a labyrinth of premier bird watching, and is easily accessed from the North Marina Boat Launch located within the park. Both natural marsh areas are brimming with wildlife. When on land, paddlers can enjoy the park’s many walking trails, have a picnic or visit the Nature Center. Additional park amenities include a par-3 golf course, a swimming pool and a 1,600-foot boardwalk.

Highly experienced paddlers can journey east from the park to Strawberry Island and return back as a day-trip. Heavy boat traffic along the Black Creek and at its mouth, combined with unpredictable conditions in the open water of Lake St. Clair, present challenges, which is why it is recommended for experienced paddlers only.

South Coast

Safety Advisory

Lagoon at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

Black Creek Marsh South Beach launch

Brandenburg Park launch

Paddling The Flats

Painted turtle in the afternoon sun Sunset on Goose Bay The Flats

Paddling Big Muscamoot Bay Sturgeon roaming the lake bottom Calm waters of Anchor Bay

1/2 hour paddle time

1/2 hour paddle time

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Anchor Bay's west end. After passing a marina near the river's mouth, the riverbank transitions to marshlands and forests. Here, scenic views of waterfowl and aquatic habitat are abundant. Vase Creek is a narrower stream, lined with residences near its mouth and privately owned open space upstream. Further upstream, paddlers will find Chesterfield's Historic Village with a one-room school house, working blacksmith and log cabin – an interesting destination north of Sugarbush Road.

MICHU-11-726

Published August 2011Photos courtesy of Michigan Sea Grant unless otherwise noted.

Design Assistance: Lovall Associates

This publication was produced with funding from a Michigan Sea Grant Coastal

Community Development Grant.

Harrison Township

Crossing into Canadian Waters: U.S. and Canadian vessels (including kayaks, canoes and rubber floatation devices) can freely cross the international boundary to explore neighboring waters. However, U.S. paddlers who land (anchor, wade or touch bottom with a paddle) in Canadian waters must immediately call Canadian authorities at (888) 226-7277 to report their arrival. Upon return to the U.S., paddlers who landed in Canada must also report to U.S. Customs at (877) 227-5511. Violation of international border crossing laws can result in severe penalties. For more info visit www.cbp.gov (U.S.) and http://bit.ly/CAborderrules (Canada).

City of St. Clair Shores

1/2 hour paddle time

1/2 hour paddle time