West Michigan Kayaking and Canoe Club

LOWER PINE RIVER- Saturday, @ 10:00AM Meet at the Put in. Limited phone service here.

Paddlers should know how to eddy out (pull over on the river). Great places practice those maneuvers en route.

Feel free to message one of the hosts if you are wondering.

This 14.8 mile paddle and takes about 5 1/2 FUN hours. (includes lunch stop and a stop at the dune to climb after lunch).

Lunch stop at Peterson’s Bridge: (also a possible take out or put in)
which is about 2 hours into the paddle.

Suggest you dress for the water and bring spare clothing

Please Message Michael M if you have not paddled this section of the pine.

No River permit required before Memorial Day. A $5.00 fee or National Park Pass for parking is required.

1. PFD Required to be worn properly at all times
2. It's a good idea to bring dry clothes in a dry bag and some in your car.
3. Please be aware that we enjoy our alcoholic beverages off-river only due to safety and other concerns. Please respect the event host (It's awkward approaching someone mid-trip) and the clubs position on this matter. We’ll enjoy one with you after the trip.
4. We leave on time to make sure that those who have to drop out with out contacting us can do so. We also can't wait for those who will be running late to keep the paddle in order. Please be on time or early.
5. We leave together after the safety talk and picture. Please remain on land until the host has completed their duties in this regard.
6. Our sport is inherently dangerous. By signing up for this event you assume full responsibility for your and your quests safety, equipment and well being. The event includes but is not limited to loading, unloading, transport of equipment and shuttle participation. Failure to sign up for this event precludes participation in this group's events.

Please read carefully as the 2026 trip has changed from 2025!

Join us for a five day (four night) trip to Bryson City, North Carolina! This is a beautiful part of the country located in the Great Smoky Mountains with many outdoor activities to choose from. We will be staying in a group house in downtown Bryson City and you may choose from many activities in the surrounding area.
Available activities include: hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, Great Smoky Mountain train trips, visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and water sports. Water sports include adventures on the Nantahala river in kayaks, rafts or duckies (inflatable kayaks) or paddling a SUP or kayak on nearby Fontana Lake. Thursday and Friday activities will include kayaking instruction for those who choose to participate. There will be at least two groups to accommodate different levels of whitewater experience; from beginner to Class 3+. NOC instructors are well prepared to safely introduce beginners to the sport. They will also outfit you with any equipment you may need. On Saturday, we will drive approximately two hours, jump in rafts with experienced NOC guides, and spend the day paddling the middle section of the Ocoee river.

Agenda of planned activities
Wednesday, May 13 arrival (4:00 pm check in time)
Thursday, May 14 - Kayak instruction or choose another activity
Friday, May 15 - Kayak instruction or choose another activity
Saturday, May 16 - Raft the Ocoee River
Sunday, May 17 - AM paddle on the Nantahala and/or head home

We have a wonderful resource at NOC who will help facilitate any of the activities on their campus (kayak instruction, rafting, equipment rental (duckies, SUP's, kayaks, pack rafts) and ziplining.

Food: The house has a full kitchen where meals can be prepared (fridge space can become crowded). We will plan on a Saturday night potluck after our raft trip. There are several restaurants and a brewery with a food truck within walking distance. Lunch is included with kayak instruction and a snack is provided on the raft trip.

Approximate costs:
Housing: $55 - $86 per person per night depending on the number of participants
Kayak instruction - $190 - $270 per day depending on the number of participants
Ocoee rafting - $100 per person
Mountain Top Zip Line - $110/person
Fully guided Nantahala raft trip - $65/person
Ducky rental on the Nantahala - $55
Raft rental on the Nantahala - $45

All participants must pay a non-refundable $300 deposit by February 1st to secure a spot. Our lodging can accommodate up to 14 individuals, however, private rooms are not guaranteed. Please contact Mary Harrington if you have questions.

This is for the camping portion.

All rivers and hikes/bikes will be posted separately and are suitable for most paddling abilities. That said, please know that we do paddle, and those that "float" will not keep up.

State park reservations are not yet available due to construction and i will post here when they announce availability. You’ll need to act quick as thisnia a holiday weekend and a very popular park.

Join us for river kayaking/canoeing, hiking. biking and nightly bonfires.

Join us for any or all of the days and nights that you can. There are plenty of mountain bike, hiking, and road bike trails in the area.

Bring all of your own food and beverages for the weekend.

You are responsible for your own reservations.

Saturday night potluck and bonfire. 6:28pm, sites TBA. L
Please bring your own plate, cup and utensils and if possible a dish to pass.

Please post your site number. If you have room for another party to site share let us know by commenting such. Double up-cut costs. Remember although you can have 6 people per site, only 2 vehicles per site.

Let's start the weekend with a shorter paddle through the heart of Ann Arbor. While this is an urban paddle, you will still feel immersed in nature as the city has done well in not developing along the river.

We will start with playtime at the Argo Cascades, a series of 1.5-2 foot drops that allow passage by the Argo Dam. This is a popular spot for local whitewater paddlers to hone skills and surf the waves. Those not wanting to play can watch and then run the Cascades or easily bypass them with a short carry. Once we are all in the river below the Cascades, it is about a 1.5 hour trip down to Gallup Park.

Be ready (boat off car and everything you need in the boat) at the meeting spot at 3PM. We will shuttle cars and then start paddling when we return.

Bikers are welcome to bring their bikes to make it a paddle-pedal. Please stage your bikes before the paddle at the take-out. The Border to Border Trail is a very popular biking destination.

As with all events, you are the only one responsible for your safety. Paddle at your own risk. No boats are provided. Enjoy alcohol if desired after the paddle, not on the water. Don't wear cotton. If it is cool, bring a change of clothes in a dry bag or large ziploc.

Use the map pin to find us.

1. PFD Required to be worn properly at all times
2. It's a good idea to bring dry clothes in a dry bag and some in your car.
3. Please be aware that we enjoy our alcoholic beverages off-river only due to safety and other concerns. Please respect the event host (It's awkward approaching someone mid-trip) and the clubs position on this matter. We’ll enjoy one with you after the trip.
4. We leave on time to make sure that those who have to drop out with out contacting us can do so. We also can't wait for those who will be running late to keep the paddle in order. Please be on time or early.
5. We leave together after the safety talk and picture. Please remain on land until the host has completed their duties in this regard.
6. Our sport is inherently dangerous. By signing up for this event you assume full responsibility for your and your quests safety, equipment and well being. The event includes but is not limited to loading, unloading, transport of equipment and shuttle participation. Failure to sign up for this event precludes participation in this group's events.