Join the Paddle Antrim Festival and kayak from Ellsworth to Torch Lake in Bellaire, Michigan. Enjoy scenic waterways, easy kayak pickups, and a memorable two-day paddling adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours over two days
Fitness Level
Suitable for those with moderate fitness; some paddling endurance is needed, but the route has calm waters and frequent rest points.
Wildlife
History
Torch Lake has long been a central part of the Antrim County area, historically serving local Indigenous communities for fishing and transportation.
Conservation
The Paddle Antrim Festival promotes 'Leave No Trace' principles to protect the fragile lake ecosystem and surrounding forests.
Paddles & Pedals
Join the Paddle Antrim Festival and kayak from Ellsworth to Torch Lake in Bellaire, Michigan. Enjoy scenic waterways, easy kayak pickups, and a memorable two-day paddling adventure.
Paddles & Pedals is a rental outfitter based in Bellaire, Michigan, offering a range of bikes, e-bikes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for local exploration. The business provides flexible rental durations from half-day to week-long options, letting visitors tailor trips to their schedule. Mountain and e-mountain bikes are available in multiple frame sizes — including small, medium, large, and extra-large — with models matched to rider height for comfortable trail riding.
Kayak options include sit-in and sit-on-top single kayaks available for pick up, self-transport, or delivery to the customer’s location. Delivery is offered for single kayaks, and festival logistics include pickup points along the Paddle Antrim route; festival registration with Paddle Antrim is required before reserving a kayak. Stand-up paddleboards are available for pick up or self-transport in half-day to week rentals.
Paddles & Pedals serves routes and natural areas such as Glacial Hills, Destination Bellaire, Grass River Natural Area, Torch Lake, and the stretch from Bellaire to Clam Lake. The Two Rivers intermediate paddle is a 3–4 hour route that requires a minimum of two kayaks and includes riverside docks along the way. The Standard Mountain Bike rental is suited for exploring Northern Michigan’s mountain trails. Equipment selection and rental options aim to simplify logistics so guests can focus on outdoor adventure.
E-mountain bike options list specific size fits — Small (5'–5'8"), Medium (5'6"–5'11"), Large (5'10" and up), and X-Large (6'1"+), supporting comfortable rides on Glacial Hills trails. Two Rivers encourages groups for the minimum-two-kayak requirement.
Location
Bellaire, MI
Base for Glacial Hills adventures
Trails & Water
Glacial Hills & Torch Lake
Mountain and lake access nearby
Rental Durations
Half-day to week
Flexible rental lengths
Pickup & Delivery
Pickup & delivery options
Pickup and delivery available
Check availability for half-day to week rentals, select pickup or delivery, and secure festival or route-specific reservations—register with Paddle Antrim before reserving festival kayaks.
Register Early
Complete your Paddle Antrim festival registration before reserving your kayak to guarantee availability and access to kayak pickup points.
Bring a Dry Bag
Keep your personal items and electronics dry and secure by bringing a waterproof dry bag during the paddle.
Wear a Personal Flotation Device
Always wear a PFD while on the water to ensure safety throughout your kayaking trip.
Check Weather Conditions
Monitor the weather forecast before heading out, as winds on Torch Lake can pick up, affecting paddling ease and safety.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A must-have for safety on the water at all times.
Waterproof Dry Bag
Protects your belongings from water during paddling.
Quick-Dry Clothing
Keeps you comfortable by drying quickly during cooler spring paddles.
spring
Sun Protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Protects against sun exposure during long hours on the water.
summer