Paddling Cadillac

Time to get back to nature and enjoy the beautiful waters of Northern Michigan. With three incredible inland lakes, and 200+ miles of river – your next floating adventure awaits in Cadillac! You can also relax at any of our area parks to enjoy the beautiful water views.

 

Cadillac is home to abundant access points to water allowing you to truly “explore your way.” There are so many family-friendly river and lake recreational opportunities to enjoy time with the entire family or a group of your closest friends. Spring, summer or fall, the area rivers meander and offer exceptional group entertainment, and beautiful views. When summer days come to a close, try a Fall Color Tour from a kayak or canoe for a different perspective of nature’s glory.

 

Several conveniently located liveries make it very easy for visitors to experience the pure paddling pleasure that awaits you here in the Cadillac area. Below find a list of related liveries, linked river map, and brief descriptions of the rivers.

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Local Rivers Cleanup Events

A December Backpacking Trip on the Manistee River Trail Loop

by | February 7, 2019 | Cadillac Stories, Hiking Trails, Trails & Parks | 0 Comments

 As the seasons change and winter arrives, many people put away their backpacking gear.  But as the snow falls and the crowds disappear, a new adventure awaits.  It was a cold December night, and our group met at the Upper River Road trailhead on the North Country...
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Spring might be the best fishing for walleye, pike, and trout

by | April 27, 2023 | Cadillac Stories, Hunting and Fishing, Out and About with Dave Foley, Spring | 0 Comments

by Dave Foley Unlike downstate areas, these trout waters won't be crowded. Although there may be several hundred trying their luck on Opening Day, in the Cadillac area, crowding is not a problem. It's likely an angler will fish a stretch of river and rarely see...
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5 Scenic In-and-Out Hikes Along the North Country Trail

by | September 1, 2025 | Cadillac Stories, Fall, Hiking Trails, Out and About with Dave Foley, Trails & Parks | 0 Comments

The 4600 mile North Country Trail (NCT), beginning in Maine and running to North Dakota, passes through Michigan. More than 100 miles of it are within 40 miles of Cadillac. With so many miles of trail available, deciding where to go could be a problem. But wherever...
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QUICK STATS

RIVER ACCESS POINTS

LAKE ACCESS POINTS

AREA LIVERIES

Waterways of Cadillac

Winter Paddling

Winter Paddling

Waterways - Rivers, Winter

Lake Missaukee

Lake Missaukee

Waterways - Lakes

Lake Mitchell

Lake Mitchell

Waterways - Lakes

Lake Cadillac

Lake Cadillac

Waterways - Lakes

Pine River

Pine River

Waterways - Rivers

Big Manistee River

Big Manistee River

Waterways - Rivers

RENTAL LIVERIES

Found 4 listings
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Chippewa Landing’s friendly service, natural setting, and top quality equipment will always assure a great paddlesport experience. The first and friendliest name in camping, [...]
Rentals Available:
  • Kayak Rentals
  • Canoe Rentals
  • Raft Rentals
  • Tube Rentals
(231) 313-0832
10420 Chippewa Landing Trail, Manton, Michigan 49663
Located in the heart of Michigan’s Huron-Manistee National Forest, Pine River Paddlesports Center is where family fun begins. We’re up North but close by.
Rentals Available:
  • Kayak Rentals
  • Canoe Rentals
  • Raft Rentals
  • Tube Rentals
(231) 862-3471
9590 S. M-37, Wellston, Michigan 49689

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