Water Trail Of Flint River Kayaking: An Amazing Guide

Flint offers unique shopping experiences, a strong art community, and rich history. There are many reasons to visit this vibrant city, however. Kayaking and other activities are possible with the Flint River kayaking through the center.

Concerning The Flint River As The National Water Trail

In southeast Michigan, the Flint River and its tributaries combine to cover an area of approximately 1,332 square miles, which makes up a watershed. The main river and basin stretch for 142 miles, taking up the majority of Genesee County and Lapeer County. The counties in question have a total of 25 entry points, marked on the interactive map presented.

The Flint River travels north until it reaches the Shiawassee River, where it becomes a member of the Saginaw Bay Watershed, the most significant watershed in the state. At some point, the flow will terminate at Saginaw Bay, located on Lake Huron.

The National Park Service will officially designate the Flint River as a National Water Trail in November 2020. In addition, it was one of the first eight water paths in Michigan to be defined as a state water trail when that honor was bestowed upon it.

The designation of the Flint River as a National Water Trail has as its overarching objective the facilitation of a wide range of educational and recreational activities, in addition to the resuscitation of the local economy.

In addition, the city initiated a Riverfront Restoration Plan to overcome the negative connotations associated with the Flint River. Its purpose is to broaden access to the river and make it possible for kayaks to navigate the waterway in complete safety and without obstruction from the area close to Stepping Stone Falls to Mott Park Recreation Area. As a consequence of this, kayak enthusiasts will find the Flint River to be, and will continue to find to be, the ideal place to relax.

Where Can I Rent A Kayak To Go Paddling Along The Water Trail?

Even though Genesee County is home to many other rivers and lakes, the Flint River manages to strike the ideal mix between peaceful isolation and proximity to urban conveniences. It travels through various landscapes, including woods, lakes, settlements, and habitats for many species.

If you don't possess a kayak, you won't have difficulty renting a kayak in Flint.

The first company in the city to offer paddleboat rentals, Kayak Flint, was the first company to provide reasonably priced access to the river. It was initiated in the fall of 2018 and is a component of the Flint River Watershed Coalition and a chapter of the Corridor Alliance. Behind Tenacity Brewing & Beer Garden is where you'll find the rental facility situated right on the river.

Kayak Flint offers all the gear required to paddle on the water and transportation back to its facilities after each excursion to make it simple for anybody to go swimming. The firm's fleet consists of 16 single kayaks, one kid-sized kayak, three tandem kayaks, and one kid-sized tandem kayak, and it also comes with one boat made of aluminum.

Kayak Flint is the only company authorized by the FRWC to provide guided kayak trips on the Flint River. Each journey follows a unique route down the river, allowing you to see the river's splendor from various perspectives.

In addition, you can view a diverse assortment of species, such as great blue herons, turtles, bald eagles, and more. Snacks and drinks are included throughout the guided tours of the Flint River, although there is a possibility that certain shuttle services will cost extra.

In addition to our regularly scheduled guided tours, Kayak Flint provides mindful paddling excursions. You may improve your health and well-being by cultivating mindfulness skills while outside enjoying nature. The event's cost includes various complimentary perks such as snacks, water, and shuttle service.

In addition, the FRWC collaborated with Genesee County Parks and The Disability Network to present Inclusive Kayaking programs for individuals with various impairments. This kayak program involves training with the appropriate gear and instruction from a trained adaptive paddle instructor and a qualified recreational therapist, and they will guide participants through the activities.

Paddle outings focusing on mindfulness are also included in the kayak curriculum. You can get out of having to make the suggested donation by using a discount code that removes the obligation to pay the cost.

Additional Outdoor Activities Available in Flint and the Surrounding Genesee County Area

In addition to paddling along the Flint River, the city and the surrounding county also feature several parks and trails just waiting to be explored. The Flint River Trail follows the river the entire way.

Although just a portion of its eventual 18-mile length was accessible to the general public in 2013, it first opened to the public in 2013. You may view a Flint River Trail's path map by clicking on this link.

At Bluebell Beach, visitors may enjoy seasonal swimming, approximately one mile of cycling along the Flint River Bike Path, and fishing from the pier. All of these activities are available year-round. The adjacent splash pad area is sure to be a hit with the children, and in addition, there are a playground and picnic tables.

The Lake Callis Recreation Complex is a park that spans 35 acres and is located in Davison. It features a beach, swimming area, concession stand, splash pad, six sand volleyball courts, and an observation deck. It is permissible to fish using the catch-and-release method.

The Richfield County Park and BMX Track is a park that spans 345 acres and features a variety of amenities, including a playground, picnic spots, baseball diamonds, a path, and a launch for paddleboats.

One of Burton's most frequented places of interest is the For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum. May find A memorial garden, a treehouse, a butterfly house, and seven miles of hiking paths inside the 383-acre preserve. In addition to baseball diamonds and rustic walking pathways, Creasey Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc, Michigan, also features a splash pad.

Consider paddling along the Shiawassee River Water Trail if you are seeking an additional location for kayaking in Genesse County. At Sunshine Kayak Rental in Linden, you'll be able to find canoes and kayaks available for hire for your trip.

Where To Find Outstanding Cuisine In Flint

The downtown area of Flint is home to many fantastic cafés and eateries.

Stop by The Good Beans Cafe for Italian espresso-based beverages, light nibbles, an assortment of teas, and smoothies before you head out on the Flint River if you feel like you need a caffeine rush before you go.

Because the Flint Crepe Company roasts its coffee beans and produces crepes from scratch, the restaurant can cater to customers with various dietary requirements.

Lunch at Steady Eddy's Cafe includes delicious sandwiches, fresh lemonade, and alternatives suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Even at Sweet Peaces Veggie Bistro, housed within the Flint Farmers Market, you can place an order for food that is suitable for your diet.

Xolo is a fantastic restaurant for supper, and it features a tequila bar; if you are in the mood for Latin street cuisine, this is the place to go.

You can anticipate an Italian-style meal if you dine at Sauce Italian American Kitchen, located within the Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown.

Accommodations Available In Flint And The Entire Surrounding Area

For a vacation that checks all the boxes on your bucket list, choose one of the numerous restful lodgings offered by Flint and the surrounding area, including campsites, bed & breakfasts, and hotels. The following is a selection of the hotel alternatives that come highly recommended by us:

Hotels And B&Bs

1. Best Western Davison Inn
2. Fairfield Inn & Suites Flint Grand Blanc
3. Comfort Inn and Suites Grand Blanc
4. Knob Hill Bed and Breakfast

Campgrounds

1. Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort
2. Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
3. Holly Recreation Area
4. Seven Lakes State Park