Kankakee River National Water Trail

The Kankakee River National Water Trail provides 85 miles of paddling in Indiana on a historic, undammed river flowing through several state and county parks.

What to Expect

• Sightings of diverse wildlife and wetland plant habitat including beaver, deer, waterfowl and a wide variety of fish. The river banks are filled with native hibiscus flowers in August.

• Steep grades at access points.

• Few support facilities or restrooms; little access to fresh water.

• Potential logjams at highway and railroad bridges. 

What To Do

• Learn more at kankakeeriverwatertrail.org, and obtain a good local road map.

• Drive along your route to visually check for logjams.

• Plan ahead with a friend for an emergency shuttle. 

What Not To Do

• Do not attempt to paddle through obstructed waterways. 

• Never paddle the river at, or near, flood stage. 

• Alcohol and glass bottles are discouraged.

Lake Michigan Water Trail

Paddlers can enjoy more than 50 miles of water with multiple access points from the Indiana/Illinois border to the Indiana/Michigan border.

What to Expect

• Great views of the Chicago skyline, the Indiana Dunes and a unique intersection of industry and nature. 

• Waves, which can provide fun conditions for experienced paddlers, but which can be hazardous to novices in recreational kayaks. 

What to Do

• Know and respect your expertise level. 

• Use a vessel appropriate for open water paddling, such as a sea kayak, especially when paddling farther than swimming distance from shore.

• Check the local forecast on National Weather Service radio or by visiting weather.gov

• Check for recent E. coli bacteria levels: extranet.idem.in.gov/beachguard

• Seek training in both self- and group-rescue skills.

• If dangerous weather or visibility conditions arise, paddle to closest shore and call the U.S. Coast Guard at 800-323-7233 if necessary.

What Not to Do

• Don’t paddle close to the steel plants

• Don’t launch or land on private property at any time.

• Avoid swimmers and populated swimming beaches. 

Be Visible 

• Buy a brightly-colored boat.

• Wear bright clothing. 

• If paddling during dusk, dawn or at night, your boat must have lights. 

• Put reflective tape on your paddle and your personal flotation device. 

• Stay alert and out of the way when you hear motors. 

• Check in.gov/dnr/fishwild for hunting seasons before your trip.

What to Wear

• Your personal flotation device, also known as a life jacket, has to fit you properly, and it must be zippered while paddling. Wearing a properly-fitted life jacket can save your life. It is the single most important safety precaution a paddler can take.

• Wear synthetic clothing that can help keep you warm when wet. Do not wear cotton.

• Wear a wetsuit, a synthetic top and a jacket for water temperatures between 65 and 55 degrees. 

• Wear a drysuit for water temperatures lower than 55 degrees. 

• Wear polarized sunglasses and sunscreen.

• If the weather dictates, wear rain gear.

What to Bring

• Keep spare clothing in a sealed bag.

• Bring adequate food and water. Water is not available at most access sites.

• Carry a GPS unit and waterproof communication device.

• Have a spare paddle and be sure to use a tether. 

• A bilge pump is essential for any paddlers going far from shore. It can bail you and your boat out of a bad situation.

• A tow line to tow another boat during group outings should someone become incapacitated. 

What To Do

• Leave a trip plan with friends and family. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.

• Know your abilities and physical limitations.

• Practice falling out of your boat in shallow water to experience what it would be like before you start your trip. 

• Know your location as accurately as possible.

What Not to Do

• Do not get close to moving vessels.

• Do not overload your boat.

• Do not litter. Be a paddling steward and clean up litter.

• Do not go on privately-owned shorelines unless in an emergency.