Straits Area Blueway

INFORMATION ON TRAIL SECTIONS

Route:  MDOT ROADSIDE PARK (RICHARD KUZMA) TO MACKINAW CITY

Distance: 8 Miles     

Access Sites:  02-11 & 02-13

Shoreline Land Use: Waterfront residential. No public lands except for Mill Creek rest stop

Points of Interest: Views of freighters, Mackinac Bridge, Bois Blanc Island and Mackinac Island

Rest Stops: rest stop at mill creek park, undeveloped, no signs, no parking

Hazards & Cautions: Recreational boat traffic and large ferry boats near Mackinaw City can make paddling difficult and cause safety issues.        

Comments:

Route:  MACKINAW CITY WATERFRONT

Distance: 1.5 Miles

Access Sites:  02-13 & 02-21

Shoreline Land Use: Commercial, residential, hotels and numerous city parks.

Points of Interest: Numerous city parks. Views of freighters, passenger ferries, Mackinac Bridge, Bois Blanc Island and Mackinac Island

Rest Stops: Numerous city parks

Hazards & Cautions: Recreational boat and ferry boat traffic is heavy during summer months, particularly during holidays and weekends. Should be careful when paddling along waterfront. Paddling in the Straits is difficult with currents and wind.        

Comments:

Route:  MACKINAC BRIDGE TO WAWATAM TOWNSHIP PARK

Distance: 6 Miles     

Access Sites:  02-21 & 01-04

Shoreline Land Use: Residential near Mackinaw City, the rest is undeveloped.

Points of Interest: McGulpin Point Lighthouse, Headlands County Park, Mackinac Bridge.

Rest Stops: 01-07, 01-06, 01-05

Hazards & Cautions: Paddling in the Straits is difficult with currents and wind.

Comments:

Route:  WAWATAM TOWNSHIP PARK TO WILDERNESS STATE PARK    

Distance: 6 Miles

Access Sites:  01-04 & 01-01

Shoreline Land Use: Mix of residential and public undeveloped.

Points of Interest: Cecil Bay Park and mouth of Carp River   

Rest Stops: Cecil Bay Park

Hazards & Cautions: Shallow bays, waves in high winds        

Comments: There is a store near the Cecil Bay Park. Camping is available further west in the Wilderness State Park