Give Me A Canoe Album - Pics from GinetteB, RonM, ScottB

A $10 deposit per paddler is due ASAP so we can reserve the boats. Camping costs $4/person/night payable when you arrive in Paris.

The cost for canoeing depends on how many boats float. A boat that takes the 8 hour trip will cost approx $42, and the 5 hour trip costs $35. If we rent 7 boats for the 8 hour trip, the canoes will cost $38 each.

Paris Park is approx. 3 hours from Auburn Hills and Southfield.

Paris Park - Mecosta County
22090 Northland Drive
Paris, MI 49338
Office Phone 231.796.3420
Office eMail mcpc@netonecom.net
Website Info http://www.mecostacountyparks.com/Paris.htm

When you enter the park, drive directly to the small office with the Stop sign. Tell them you are camping at Group Camping Site #2 with the GMAC Camping Club. They will collect $4/person/night.

Our group camping area is a large wooded area with picnic tables. When you arrive, we will show you where to set up your camp. Most of the tables will be moved together near the fire ring for our meals. This leaves the majority of the space for tents and a small strip for horseshoes.

Nearby is a building with bathrooms AND showers. We are a short walk from the riverbank if you'd like to fish. At the north end of the park is a trout pond where you can catch trout for .40 cents per inch. They will provide the fishing rod, the bait, and clean and wrap your catch.

Vehicles will get a parking pass to park at the camping area. All others can drive in to unload, but will need to park in the parking area approx. 100 yards from the campsite.

Bathrooms -- Are equipped with electricity, mirrors, and showers.

Trout pond -- separate part of the park. Has it's own gate. Gates open 7:30am, but man who runs pond arrives around 9 or 10am. Cost= $0.40/inch.

There are three options for canoeing: an 8 hour, a 5 hour, and a 2 hour trip. Currently, our group is planning on the 8 hour trip. You may choose whichever duration you prefer.

The plan is for the 8 hour paddlers to begin in the morning. Those paddlers will paddle downstream approx 3 hours to meet the 5 hour paddlers. Together, the group wil canoe to meet the 2 hour paddlers at Parris Park, and together they will finish the trip in Big Rapids at the canoe livery. The canoe livery will shuttle everyone back to Paris Park at the end of the trip.

Buy one here = http://www.cafepress.com/burntcabin $20

Believe it or not, if you live northeast of the city (Rochester area) you'd take a different route than if you lived southwest of the city (Southfield area).

From the North, Take I-75 North to M-10 West - M-10 is approx 80 miles from Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills. Take M-10 West approx 80 miles to Reed City. If you hit M-131, then you have gone too far. Turn left at the four-way stop (Northland Drive) and travel for 6 miles, through Reed City to 22090 Northland Drive - Paris Park. Paris Park will be on your left.

From the West, take I-96 West for 133 miles through Lansing and Grand Rapids to M-131 north. Take M-131 North for 53 miles and exit 142 (19 mile road). Turn right off the exit and go 1.2 miles to Northland Drive.  Turn left onto Northland Drive and go north 3.1 miles to 22090 Northland Drive - Paris Park. Paris Park will be on your right.

If you have questions, contact:

Scott Borchelt
sky@voyager.net
cell 248-765-9550