Canton Leisure Services will host an array of activities along its greenway trails network throughout the day including trail hikes, building birdhouses, and of course, Friends of the Rouge will be there for its 2nd annual paddle trip as a part of Canton River Days. Paddlers meet at the Morton-Taylor Trailhead in Canton and paddle downstream to the Lilley Road Bridge.

Experience a guided paddling trip on the Lower Rouge River from Venoy Dorsey Park Golf Course to Colonial Park in Inkster to celebrate National Canoe Day. We will meet at 9:30am at Venoy Dorsey Park. Boat rental fee is $50, includes canoe or kayak, pfd, paddles, and shuttle service. There is a $15 service fee for paddlers bringing their own boat.

Join Friends of the Rouge and The Black Pack for a paddle trip from Dearborn Hills Golf Course to Ford Field Park on Saturday, July 19, from 9:30am – 12:00pm. The Black Pack creates opportunities for Black, indigenous, and people of color to experience the outdoors through mentorship and special events!

There is a $50 boat rental fee that includes shuttle service. There is a $15 service charge if you are bringing your own boat.

Sign up for the Inkster Summer Magic Paddle Trip & Health Fair presented by the Inkster Task Force on Saturday, August 2, from 9:30am – 1:00pm. We will meet at Venoy-Dorsey Park and paddle downstream to Colonial Park.

The event will also feature a Health Fair at Colonial Park from 11am – 1:30pm. Experience the Friends of the Rouge Dry Dock Pop Up and MetroParks outdoor games and a boys and girls bike raffle!

There is a $50 boat rental fee that includes shuttle service. There is a $15 service charge if you are bringing your own boat. Health Fair admission is free.

Paddle the Industrial Channel of the Rouge River beginning at Melvindale’s Kessey Field House and ending at Belanger Park in River Rouge on the Detroit River. See the original Ford Rouge Complex, one of a kind drawbridges and the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. There is a $50 boat rental fee that includes shuttle service. There is a $15 service charge if you are bringing your own boat. Participants bringing their own boat, must have a double hulled kayak and personal flotation device (PFD).

Friends of the Rouge and the Detroit Bird Alliance host its Fall Open Water Birding Paddle Trip on Newburgh Lake. See the amazing fall colors and explore the bird species of the Rouge! If you love birding and you love to paddle, this is the trip for you!

Be prepared for a scare! Friends of the Rouge will host its annual Haunted Paddle Trip on the Rouge. Paddle from Dearborn Hills Golf Course to Ford Field Park and experience the spooky scenes created by Friends of the Rouge and community partners! See the Bog Monster, the Killer Clown, and the Rouge Witches. Don’t be afraid!

Friends of the Rouge will also host its annual Fall Festival. Come join in the fun! All are welcome for s’mores and Halloween fun at Ford Field Park from 11am to 1pm on Saturday October 18! FOTR is also looking for costumed volunteers to assist with the event. If you are interested in volunteering or if you have any questions about this spooky fun event, email our trails manager, Herman Jenkins, at hjenkins@therouge.org.