 Paddling provides an opportunity to see some of the most scenic areas of the river that are not easily accessible by foot or vehicle. Be sure to check river levels
and streamflow at left before attempting a trip. Note that some stretches of the river are NOT for beginners! The lower river from Budd Park in Clinton Township downstream to Mt. Clemens is the best stretch for beginners. Canoe rentals are not currently available on the river, so you must have your own equipment. Please contact our office for more detailed information about the paddling opportunities listed here.
River Maps
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Clinton River Access Points from I-75 to Livernois |
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Access points are denoted with the fish and hook; nearby parking is noted as well. |
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Clinton River Access Points from Livernois to Ryan |
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Access points are denoted with the fish and hook; nearby parking is noted as well. |
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Recommended Paddling Stretches |
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These stretches of the Clinton River are paddled most frequently, maintained by volunteer stewards, and are relatively logjam free. |
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Oakland County
WESTERN OAKLAND COUNTY
This stretch begins at Dixie Highway and ends in Cass Lake. Paddling is also possible through Waterford when river levels are high enough.
AUBURN HILLS
The Auburn Hills stretch begins at Riverside Park (at Auburn and Squirrel Roads) and ends at Adams Road. This is a scenic stretch through a mix of urban and "up north" environments.
ROCHESTER HILLS
The Rochester Hills stretch begins at Adams Road and runs to the corner of Avon and Livernois Roads. Paddlers can also continue on through Rochester to Bloomer Park but should take out above Yates Dam. Some of the most scenic spots on the river can be found through this stretch. You can take out at the Clinton River Trail parking lot on Second Street in Rochester, but the banks are very steep and this take-out is not advised for beginners.
BALD MOUNTAIN STATE RECREATION AREA
The Graham Lakes offer wonderful, peaceful lake paddling opportunities in one of the most pristine areas of the Clinton River watershed.
INDEPENDENCE OAKS
Canoe rentals are available on the lake at Independence Oaks County Park.
Macomb County
SHELBY TOWNSHIP
This stretch begins at Yates Cider Mill and runs to the south end of Riverbends Park in Shelby Township. Note that there are often a number of log jams through this stretch.
UTICA & STERLING HEIGHTS
This stretch begins at Utica City Park and ends at South Clinton River Park in Sterling Heights. Note that there are a number of log jams through this stretch.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP & MT. CLEMENS
This stretch begins at Budd Park and ends at Shadyside Park or the YMCA in Mt. Clemens. This is about a 2-hour, gentle paddle that can be done even during low flows in late summer.
STONY CREEK METROPARK
Canoe rentals are available on Stony Creek Lake in the Metropark.
USGS Streamflow Data:
Recent Excursions
On April 5, 2008 CRWC staffer Ruth Glass, Clinton River
Steward Dale Goolsby, and several friends and supporters of
the CRWC, paddled from Avon & Livernois to Avon & Dequindre.
It was a beautiful sunny day, water levels were relatively
high, and the current fairly fast. This stretch is class 2
water and should only be attempted by those at the
appropriate skill level. Below are photos from that trip.
Have you taken a recent trip down the Clinton you would
like to share with us? Please send a brief description of
the river conditions in the stretch you paddled, along with
a photo or two, to
contact@crwc.org.
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