If you're paddling Michigan rivers, you know it's a hassle to shuttle your own kayak or canoe back-and-forth from the start and end point, and you need a buddy to help you do it.

Here's some circuits which can be done without shuttling, and which combine hiking and paddling. They can be done solo. Most are on the North Country Trail. These are daytrips, not overnights.

Either drop your canoe or kayak off at the upstream portion (lock it with a bicycle lock or hide it in weeds, and don't forget to leave paddles and lifevest away from the boat), drive to your endpoint, hike upstream and paddle back to your car. You can also obviously just start paddling from the upstream point and walk back upstream to your car after leaving your boat at the "bottom." This latter strategy runs the risk of missing the bend in the river where you're supposed to stop, if you're unfamiliar with the landing spot.

This is a popular loop on the Big Manistee River northeast of Manistee. The starting point is next to the suspension bridge just west of Hodenpyl Dam Pond, north of the river. You have the option of hiking the North Country Trail (NCT) west of the river or the Manistee River Trail east of the river. The NCT is definitely more challenging and hilly, but offers better vistas. If you hike the NCT back, follow the spur trail (white blazes) at the end back to the suspension bridge. This is a full day trip, the hiking portion alone about 10 miles.

This is a loop on the Pere Marquette River southeast of Ludington. Be sure to exit the NCT at the spur trail to Bowman Bridge Campground.

This is a loop on the Little Manistee River southeast of Manistee. Be sure to exit the NCT at the spur trail to Beartrack Campground.

This is a loop on the Big Manistee River southeast of Buckley, ending at Anderson Creek. The eastern access is down a road which forks to the right from the road which travels to the Highbanks Rollway scenic overlook. It's very challenging to get down these access roads which are dirt, sand and mud -- YOU NEED A 4-WHEEL DRIVE vehicle to do it, and getting stuck is a possibility. Hauling the boats in and out is equally challenging, up and down very steep slopes. Only attempt this one if you're up for a very physical challenge. This is roughly a 4-hour trip, not counting the time in the car to place the boat. You could probably also start at Baxter Bridge Campground, but I'll bet that would be a very, very long day.

This loop is on the Boardman River south of Traverse City, between Sheck's Place Campground and the Forks Campground near Ranch Rudolph. The NCT here has been re-routed to follow the Muncie Lakes Pathways which are indicated by red lines. When I did this loop I followed the NCT to Williamsburg Road, walking down this busy road back to the Forks. I'm not entirely certain that this Muncie Lake trail goes directly to the Forks Campground, or that the river can be crossed by foot, so be wary of these two possible glitches.

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