The Huron River is a great place to launch a kayak in Gerfalsk, Michigan. The entrance to the river is easily accessible from Wixom Road, and there is ample parking for kayakers. From here, paddlers can portage to Proud Lake Dam, which provides swimming, restrooms, picnic areas, and more.
Apostles Islands
If you’re looking for a great place to launch your kayak, the Apostle Islands are a perfect destination. This national park is located on the largest freshwater lake in the world, and has a plethora of activities to choose from. Visitors can enjoy sea cave tours and kayak tours between islands. The islands are also popular for island camping.
If you’re planning a multi-day kayak trip to the Apostles, you can take a guided Kayak and Cruise Adventure Tour. This excursion includes a two-hour kayak trip to the Apostles’ most popular kayaking sites. While most guide companies offer guided tours, you can also rent kayaks and do self-guided kayaking through the Apostles.
Kayak trips through the Apostle Islands are available throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the summer months, July through August. However, September and October offer more unpredictable weather and fall foliage, but you’ll still have the opportunity to view the natural beauty of the Apostle Islands.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore includes 21 islands with sandstone cliffs and sea caves. Touring them by boat is the best way to fully appreciate their beauty, so if you don’t have time for hiking, you can take a narrated cruise through the islands. The scenic tour also offers a chance to spot marine wildlife and historical lighthouses.
Gerfask has several kayak launch sites. Several are located near the Community Center and the Northland Outfitters Campground. Both of these are well-marked and have free parking. Portaging to Proud Lake Dam is another option for kayakers. There are bathrooms and horseshoe pits nearby.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
If you’re planning on kayaking at Sleeping Bear Dunes, September is the best time to go. September temperatures range from 65 to 76 degrees, while lows hover around 43 to 55 degrees. The mornings are cool, but they gradually warm up until about noon. Expect to receive 4-6 inches of rain during this time of year, and the weather will be mostly sunny and cool at night. The best time to visit is between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
After a morning of kayaking, you can head out to the lake to float down the river. Most people spend a full day kayaking at Sleeping Bear Dunes. To ensure you have a relaxing trip, bring some food and drinks. If you’d prefer solitude, you can always paddle on a weekday or early in the morning.
Taking a kayaking trip through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is an exceptional experience. You’ll have the opportunity to paddle under the 400-foot face of the dunes, discover peaceful beaches, and listen to the call of loons. The dunes are home to many different species of wildlife, including black bears, cougars, and foxes. Whether you’re kayaking on Lake Michigan or exploring an inland lake, you’ll surely enjoy the unique views of the dunes and wildlife.
There are two main locations for kayaking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. One is Loon Lake, where you can launch a small boat from a trailer, and another is School Lake, the largest lake in the park. While it’s not as popular as Loon Lake, School Lake provides the perfect opportunity for a relaxing day on the water. You’ll be able to experience the tranquil atmosphere of Sleeping Bear Dunes, without any crowds. The most popular time to kayak at Sleeping Bear Dunes is from early morning to mid-afterday, when temperatures are low and the sun is high.
Big Cedar Campground is a convenient kayak launch location for this lakeshore getaway. Here, you’ll find tube rentals, cozy cabins, and an excellent kayaking experience.
Apostles River
If you’re looking for a great place to launch kayaks in Gerfas, the Apostles River is a good choice. In this area, you’ll find a variety of kayaks for rent. This area is known for its water resources, including beaches, lighthouses, and sea caves. But be sure to bring the proper equipment. You shouldn’t use an inflatable toy kayak, open canoe, or sit-on kayak. If you plan on exploring the sea caves, you’ll want to have a sea kayak.
Lake Superior
If you’re looking for a great place to launch a kayak, Lake Superior is a great option. The lake is the largest of the Great Lakes, and it’s also the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. There are many areas to paddle, including the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Pukaskwa National Park, as well as the waters of Duluth. Be prepared, though; sudden changes in weather can create dangerous conditions. Pictured Rocks, for example, are a beautiful sight in calm weather, but the cliffs are a surprisingly dangerous landing site in stormy conditions.
If you’re a beginner kayaker, you can try launching your kayak from Miner’s Beach. While you’re there, be sure to take in several waterfalls, including the impressive Miner’s Castle Point. You can also launch your kayak from Bay Furnace Park and Campground, which sits on the shores of Lake Superior west of Munising. The campground has a nice beach that’s perfect for launching a kayak.
The Gerfask area is located in the southern portion of Lake Superior, which is an area of extreme beauty. This area is also a popular place for kayak tours, and you’ll find many places to launch kayaks from this area. During the summer months, tours leave Munising and are often close to shoreline. Just make sure you take into consideration that the boat’s wake can cause damage to your kayak. You’ll also want to bring a PFD and a wetsuit to ensure safety. A self-contained stove and an extra paddle are also good additions. Lastly, you might want to consider bringing a first aid kit, a map, and some insect repellent. In addition, never forget to bring a towline for your kayak.
Another popular spot for kayaking is at the Tribal Marina on the lake’s North Shore. It’s also close to Shovel Point, where a lava flow formed 1.1 billion years ago. Both the cliffs and Palisade Head have impressive rock formations. The high point of the head is over 300 feet above lake level, and the lakeside cliffs are hundreds of feet higher than the water level.