Located just south of the Illinois/Wisconsin border, this section of the Lake Michigan waterfront provides paddlers with great views of large undeveloped beaches, peaceful nature preserves, and Illinois Beach State Park. The section from North Point Marina to illinois Beach State Park is not very far but the water can be rough and difficult to paddle and the area is a little more remote so it should only be attempted by experienced paddlers. Be sure to only use the designated access points are much of the shoreline is part of a nature preserve and access is restricted or requires a permit.

Paddlers will enjoy excellent views of downtown Chicago while kayaking along this section of the Chicago lakefront from Diversity Harbor to 12th Street. Kayaking Lake Michigan is an excellent adventure in an urban area, but the trip is not for beginner paddlers as the water can be very rough and there is lots of large boat traffic. There are launch sites at both ends of the trip and it can be paddled in either direction and done as a one-way trip by shuttling vehicles or an out-and-back.

Setting off just north of Goose Island, this urban kayaking trip provides some of the best views of downtown Chicago. The paddling route goes under multiple bridges and past multiple downtown Chicago landmarks and skyscrapers including Trump Tower and the Sears Building. The water can be rough and crowded due to water taxis and tour boats so paddlers need to be extra cautious and pay attention to larger boats on the river. Launching from the North Avenue boat launch is operated by a local kayak tour company that charges a fee to launch.

Clinton Lake is a 4900-acre lake in Central Illinois that is surrounded by wooded terrain that provides lots of beautiful scenery, wildlife viewing opportunity, and nice waters for paddling. The lake offers six boat ramps and a canoe launch site on the north branch of the lake where the water is most protected and conditions are ideal for paddling and wildlife viewing. The water in the main part of the lake can become very rough so pay close attention to conditions on the lake, especially if attempting any open water crossings. The lake is part of a recreation area that also picnic areas, camping, fishing, hiking trails, swimming, and motorboating.

This public use ramp offers excellent access to the north half of Rend Lake, a scenic lake that offers excellent paddling and wildlife viewing opportunities. The lake is surrounded by open rural farmlands and woodland terrain. The lake is part of a state fish and wildlife area that offers great beaches, picnic areas, campgrounds, and lots of access areas. The lake is a popular spot for fishing. There are motorboats and some houseboats on the lake so be cautious and watch out for others on the lake.

Located in the south portion of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, this large scenic lakes offers clear water and miles of tree-lined shoreline home to abundant wildlife making it an excellent for paddling. The lake is long and narrow with lots of channels and coves that provide protection and solitude while on the lake. The lake has a 10 horsepower limit and is popular for fishing making it a calm and peaceful place to launch your boat. The lake offers multiple boat launches, a marina with concessions, and a campground.

This section of the Chicago Lakefront Water Trail covers the area between Leone Beach down to Diversity Harbor just north of downtown Chicago. Paddling this section will provide excellent views of the Chicago skyline as well as lots of other urban development and multiple beach and park areas. There is also another access point at Montrose Beach that can be used as an alternate access or a good resting spot. Paddling Lake Michigan without experience or solo is not recommended as the conditions on the lake can become very rough and dangerous. The water trail can be paddled in either direction and done as an out-and-back or a one-way trip by shuttling vehicles.

Lake Michigan provides some great paddling opportunity with multiple water trails and access points for kayakers looking to explore the lakefront known for its excellent views of downtown Chicago. There is good access on 63rd street from either the south end of the beach or the Jackson Park Inner Harbor Boat Ramp. Alternate access is also available at Rainbow Beach a few miles south providing paddlers with the option of a shorter trip. The Calumet Boat Ramp at the southern end of the trail provides lots of free parking and great access. The trip can be paddled in either direction and can be done as an out-and-back or a one-way trip. Kayaking on Lake Michigan can be challenging, especially during bad weather, so lots of paddling experience is recommended and checking current conditions is important before heading out.

This section of the Chicago Park District water trail system for Lake Michigan covers the lakefront between 12th Street and 63rd Street. The route provides paddlers with excellent views of the Chicago skyline. Access off of 12th street is available either off the 12th Street Beach or from the Burnham Harbor West Boat Ramp. The 63rd Street boat access is possible from either the beach with some limited parking or from the Jackson Park Inner Harbor Boat Ramp. The water trail can be paddled in either direction and done as an out-and-back trip or a one-way adventure by shuttling vehicles. Kayaking on Lake Michigan can be challenging and should not be attempted by beginner paddlers as there can be strong currents and lots of large boat traffic.

This long lake is inside Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. You will find 55,025 acres of 117,874 acres reside in Kentucky. The remainder is in Tennessee. Because of the large is so big, you will not run out of new areas to explore as you can travel along the several bays and by scenic bluffs. There are several boat ramps available to launch your vessel. Anglers will find great fishing here. Some of the fish that can be found are crappie, bass, bluegill, and catfish. The Kentucky Dam Marina is at the north end of the lake and one of the closer marinas to the Barkley Canal.