Paddling the Flint River National Water Trail

Lockhart Spill: On June 15th, 2022, a fisherman alerted authorities to an oily substance contaminating the Flint River just north of Dort Hwy in the city of Flint. Local, state, and federal authorities responded, and testing tied the spill to Lockhart Chemical Co. The investigation of the spill and its environmental impact are ongoing.


At this time, FRWC does not have a full understanding of the impact of this spill on humans or wildlife, or the safety of those kayaking, fishing, or playing in this part of the river. FRWC recommends the public AVOID contact with the Flint River downstream of Stepping Stone Falls through downtown Flint in Genesee County. Do not eat any fish caught on the Flint River downstream of Stepping Stone Falls.


FRWC wants to emphasize that this spill does not affect the Flint River upstream of Stepping Stone Falls, or downstream of the River Road launch in Flushing, and encourages people to enjoy the river between Mott Lake and Holloway Reservoir, and in Lapeer County. Local lakes are also unaffected.

The Flint River Water Trail (FRWT) is a 72 mile water trail with 25 access sites across Lapeer and Genesee counties offering a variety of recreational and educational opportunities as well as economic revitalization for the community. In 2018, the FRWT became one of the first eight water trails in Michigan given state water trail designation. Two years later, in 2020, the National Park Service designated it as the Flint River National Water Trail.


Whether planning your own trip, or joining one of our paddling programs, you’re sure to have a wonderful time exploring the Flint River National Water Trail with our helpful resources below.

Paddling Etiquette

Paddling the Flint River Water Trail (FRWT) allows you to disconnect from your everyday world, so you can immerse yourself in nature and reconnect with yourself. Still, it is important to remember that the  FRWT supports a wide variety of recreational uses. People use the river for fishing, hunting, boating, and paddling. Much of the river is publicly owned land, but some areas are owned by private citizens. It is important to note that ALL users have a responsibility to be good stewards of the water trail.


Paddling Etiquette

Paddling the Flint River Water Trail (FRWT) allows you to disconnect from your everyday world, so you can immerse yourself in nature and reconnect with yourself. Still, it is important to remember that the FRWT supports a wide variety of recreational uses. People use the river for fishing, hunting, boating, and paddling. Much of the river is publicly owned land, but some areas are owned by private citizens. It is important to note that ALL users have a responsibility to be good stewards of the water trail.


  • Interacting with local residents and other river access users

    • Drive courteously and within the speed limit, particularly in residential areas, in and surrounding access sites.
    • Park in designated areas, making sure not to block driveways or interfere with traffic.
    • Change clothes discretely.
    • Do not play loud music.
    • Follow the laws and rules of the area that you are using.
    • Consider taking a few minutes to pick up litter left by others.

  • Interacting with Anglers

    • Stay in the main flow whenever possible while paddling past anglers or while paddling in heavily fished waters.
    • In areas that are being fished, paddle past consistently with minimal splashing or interference.
    • Avoid shouting or being loud.
    • Don’t approach casting anglers.
    • Avoid startling anglers. Pass anglers on highly visible paths down the river and make eye contact with the angler as far upstream as possible.

  • Interacting with Boaters

    • At boat launch access sites, behave in a friendly, positive manner toward others and be helpful to those who might need assistance.
    • Allow for spacing upstream and downstream of others, particularly in a rapid, and seek to avoid collisions.
    • When entering a rapid, the upstream craft has the right of way. Those entering the current should yield to those already in it.
    • When exiting the current, avoid eddies that are full, if possible, and take care when entering occupied eddies.
    • When playing, avoid blocking navigation by yielding to oncoming, upstream craft. Exit a play spot after a reasonable time to allow someone else to use it.
    • Always provide assistance to others who are in trouble or who are injured.

Leave No Trace Principles for River Corridors

Paddlers typically have little impact on the water-trail environment. Most impacts occur when paddlers attempt to access the water body or portage around large obstacles. By following The Seven Leave No Trace Principles for River Corridors, users can greatly reduce direct impacts to the surrounding water trail environment. The Leave No Trace Program is managed by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors by all people worldwide.

The Seven Leave No Trace Principles for River Corridors:

  1. Plan ahead and prepare
  2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly (pack it in, pack it out)
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors


Information contained on this page was sourced from: MichiganWaterTrails.org