BELLAIRE KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddle Antrim Single Kayak — Two days of festival paddling from Ellsworth to Torch Lake
A Paddles & Pedals rental for the Paddle Antrim Festival that covers the festival’s two-day route—start in Ellsworth on Day 1 and paddle to Torch Lake on Day 2; register with Paddle Antrim before reserving.
Paddle Antrim Single Kayak — Two days of festival paddling from Ellsworth to Torch Lake.
Adventure brief
Paddle Antrim Single Kayak — Two days of festival paddling from Ellsworth to Torch Lake
Join the Paddle Antrim Festival for an unforgettable, two-day kayaking adventure on the region’s stunning waterways. This rental is offered by Paddles & Pedals specifically for the festival: paddlers begin in Ellsworth, follow the festival route with convenient kayak pickups along the way, and can continue to Torch Lake on Day 2.
Experience the beauty of Michigan’s waterways with the Paddle Antrim Single Kayak adventure offered by Paddles & Pedals in Bellaire. This two-day kayaking festival lets you paddle from Ellsworth to the pristine Torch Lake, covering some of the most scenic parts of Antrim County. The route is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for paddlers of various skill levels, with convenient kayak pick-up points along the way to ensure a smooth experience. Along the journey, you’ll glide through crystal-clear waters surrounded by vibrant forested shorelines, offering ample opportunities for wildlife sightings and peaceful reflection. Paddle Antrim is more than just a kayak trip — it’s a community event where you can connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy the natural charm of Northern Michigan. Be sure to register with Paddle Antrim before reserving your kayak to secure your spot in this popular event. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing paddle or a refreshing outdoor challenge, this private kayaking experience is a perfect way to immerse yourself in Michigan’s natural beauty and waterscapes.
Route Schematic
Route schematic
Key stops along the festival route where you’ll start, pause, and—if you continue—finish.
Ellsworth — Festival start
The meet-up and Day 1 start point; paddlers will assemble in Ellsworth on Friday morning to begin the festival route.
Central Lake — Typical lunch stop
A common pickup and lunch point along the Day 1 route where kayaks can be collected if you cannot make the Bellaire start.
Dockside on Torch Lake — Day 2 pickup/finish
For paddlers doing Day 2, kayaks will be picked up at the Dockside on Torch Lake as part of the festival logistics.
This rental is provided specifically for the Paddle Antrim Festival; please register with Paddle Antrim prior to reserving a kayak.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Two-day, festival-only kayak rental
This rental is available only for Paddle Antrim Festival participants and is arranged to serve the festival’s two-day itinerary, providing a focused way to join the event on the water.
Start in Ellsworth, finish at Torch Lake
The festival route begins in Ellsworth and continues across the waterways with options to reach Torch Lake on Day 2, following the event’s planned paddling stages.
Convenient pickups along the way
Paddlers can collect kayaks at designated points along the festival route—typically a Central Lake lunch stop—and, for those doing Day 2, at the Dockside on Torch Lake; ensure you register with Paddle Antrim before reserving your kayak.
What the day feels like
What the paddling experience feels like
Across two days you move with the festival flow: assemble in Ellsworth at the Day 1 start, follow the water routes laid out by Paddle Antrim, pick up or drop off gear at designated stops along the way, and, if continuing, arrive at Torch Lake on Day 2.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental is appropriate for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This rental is for the Paddle Antrim Festival only; please register with Paddle Antrim prior to reserving a kayak (see the festival website to register).
If you cannot make the Bellaire start, kayak pickups are typically available along the route—commonly in Central Lake—and Day 2 pickups occur at Dockside on Torch Lake.
Reserve your kayak through Paddles & Pedals only after you have completed Paddle Antrim festival registration.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need to register to reserve a kayak?
Yes. Please register with Paddle Antrim prior to reserving a kayak for this rental.
Where is the meet-up for the festival start?
We will meet in Ellsworth at the start on Friday morning.
Can I pick up a kayak along the route if I don’t start in Bellaire?
Yes. Kayak pickups along the way are available—typically in Central Lake at the lunch stop—and for Day 2 pickups are at the Dockside on Torch Lake.
Will the kayak cover both festival days?
The kayaks can do all of Day 1, and can reach Torch Lake for Day 2.
Is this rental available outside of Paddle Antrim Festival dates?
No. This rental is for the Paddle Antrim Festival only.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-18T12:02:59.485Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.