Inland Waterway, Water trail in Michigan, United States

Inland Waterway is a water trail in northern Michigan that links a chain of lakes and rivers through forested country. The route passes small towns and wooded shores, with several access points for boats along the way.

The waterway was used by Native Americans and later by European settlers for travel and trade. In the 19th century, logging operations used the rivers to float timber to sawmills, shaping the development of the area.

Along the route, you pass through small communities where boating and fishing are part of daily life in summer. The waterfronts often have docks and picnic spots where locals gather, giving a sense of how people use the waterway today.

The water trail is best explored by boat, and you can launch from several public access sites along the route. Check water levels and weather before heading out, as conditions can change quickly on the lakes and rivers.

The route includes a section where the river flows through a narrow channel connecting two lakes, a spot often missed by through-boaters. It offers a short detour into a marsh area where you can spot herons and turtles.