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wrote:
On 13 Feb 2004 14:53:03 GMT, (LLutton) wrote:

I am leading a group of Boy Scouts, looking for a canoe trip in Lower
Penninsula Michigan, Northern Ohio or even (close to Michigan)
Ontario.

Looking to do a lengthy trip, over 50 miles. Want it to be 4 or 5
days. Want to (to the extent possible) wilderness camp along the
river as we go.

We are supposed to travel only 3 hours from Metro Detroit (our
chartering organization puts us under that restriction, we can sneak
out to maybe 4 hours.)

Looking for as wilderness experience as possible, a little fast water
would be nice.

Get the book "Paddling Michigan" by Kevin Hillstrom and Laurie Collier
Hillstrom. It's published by Falcon Guide. It list a lot of rivers throughout
Michigan and gives camping information. The Huron River, for example is no
more than an hour from Detroit's Metro Airport and shows at least three camping
arreas.

Forget the Huron River, nothing even remotely approaching
"wilderness" ... a few Metro Parks along the way, but
mostly exurbia. A *possibility* is the Rifle River thru the
Rifle River Recreation Area, but it's not 50 miles worth.
Then, as you go North, there's the Pine or Manistee; best
to read those guide books carefully for appropriate venues.

The Huron might be good for a daytrip, or even an overnight, but I don't
think it's what you're looking for.

I'd recommend the Au Sable river. It's within three hours or so of
Detroit, and moves along pretty well without having any 'scary' rapids
(you can easily do 20 miles in a day without really paddling). Most of
the river is undeveloped, but not 100%. Sounds like what you're looking
for. It'll be crowded on summer weekend days, if that matters to you.

The books suggested would be a good resource. You might also want to
check out http://www.kayakplace.com/places/places.htm

Good luck.

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//-Walt
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