This thirty mile route begins in Bellaire and travels to Elk Rapids through five lakes.  The first nine miles of the route is considered an Intermediate Level from Bellaire to the entrance of Torch Lake.  From Torch Lake to the end at Elk Rapids is considered an advanced level route due to the waves/boats on Torch Lake and the open-water crossing on Elk Lake.  

If you want to extend your paddling in the Chain, consider beginning with the Upper Chain of Lakes Water Trail.  There is approximately a 1/3 mile portage across M-88 between the two routes in Bellaire.

All of the access sites included on the trail are open to the public and have been approved for inclusion by the site owner. This water trail is still in the beginning stages and therefore no additional water trail signage is installed on the ground at this time.