Canoe & Kayak the Clinton River

Come out and explore the Clinton River! Kayak and canoe your way through the newly improved nine-miles of wildlife areas running through Sterling Heights.

EZ Launch Dock
EZ Launch Dock Rendering

The City is excited to bring residents two new EZDock launches at Rotary Park (37328 Utica Road) and North Clinton River Park (8600 Riverland Drive). The EZDock launch system is designed for easy launching and docking, even for beginners. The accompanying EZ Launch Accessible Transfer System provides individuals with disabilities accessibility that exceeds ADA compliance, with a transfer bench and slide boards of two different heights, allowing users to simply sit, slide over and drop down into a kayak or canoe, then use the side rails to pull off or back on. The landings are both public and available for use at no charge.

For Free

Residents and non-residents may park their vehicle in Rotary Park for free and can portage their vessel to their vehicle by foot. 

Coupled with the parking lot expansion at Rotary Park to accommodate more river users, our residents, with their own equipment, now have a viable and easy way to access and utilize one of our City’s newest developed assets, the Clinton River.

A rail system has been installed allowing for river users to place their vessel on rails, and drag it to the parking lot with minimal effort, and virtually no wear and tear on their equipment.

Please note, when using the free option, vehicles cannot pull close to landing to pull vessel out.

Clinton River Water Trail Map

Clinton River Canoe Kayaking Map

Safety Tips

As you enjoy your trip down the river, keep these tips in mind to ensure a safe adventure!
  • Life jackets are a must! 16 years and younger must wear a life jacket. 
  • Dress appropriately for weather conditions! Wear quick-drying materials. 
  • No baby car seats in canoe or kayak. 
  • Keep a mental note of number markers. These are important to identify where you are on the river in case of emergency.

Sterling Heights received a  $4.5 million grant for Clinton River Restoration Project received from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a nine-mile restoration project along the Clinton River, known as the Clinton River Restoration Project. The grant included no local match and was one of the largest in the city's history.

The project improved the habitat along the Clinton River upstream from its confluence with the Red Run Drain. The contractors repaved paths, installed bank plantings, reseeded bare areas, improved bank stabilization, and removed woody debris blockages.