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This is a very unique paddle that crosses four different water bodies and along the international border with Canada. Begin at North River Road Park in St. Clair County, Michigan. Get into the Black River easily by using the ADA accessible kayak launch. Head downriver and then up the Canal to the left, heading east. Enter Lake Huron after passing under the Taintor Gate. Paddle under the Blue Water Bridges while along the international border with Canada St. Clair River. Enter the mouth of the Black River to the west, through the City of Port Huron and back to North River Road Park. You can also begin and end at the new Bakers Field Park in Port Huron Township. They also have an ADA accessible kayak launch. The Taintor Gate at the canal closes automatically when there is a strong N-NE wind. Closure protects the canal from getting filled up with silt and sand from the lake. Boaters, check to see if the gate is open before attempting the Island Loop. This route is best attempted in the morning, before weekend recreational boating traffic creates rough water conditions under the Blue Water Bridges. Level - Intermediate (due to international shipping traffic) Length - ten miles.