Whitewater trip now available in Petoskey, Mich.

Petoskey, MI – Enthusiasts of whitewater excitement now have a new option for places to enjoy boating. Following years of planning and months of improvements, the Bear River Valley Recreation Area is open in Petoskey, Michigan and includes a whitewater area.

The mile-long system is currently the only whitewater course in the Lower Peninsula. Starting out flat, the course includes drops ranging from Class I to Class III.

Paddling groups are already making their way here to experience the new venue, according to Gary Hunter, vice-president of the Northern Michigan Paddling Club. For those who don’t want to haul their own equipment, inflatables and hard shell whitewater boats may be rented from Bahnhof Sports in Petoskey.

The official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Bear River Valley Recreation Area was May 21 at the Bear River Shelter. The Northern Michigan Paddling Club called this “Rendezvous 2011” and proudly showed off the new whitewater route.

To find out more about the whitewater, visit northernmichiganpaddlingclub.com. For lodging or other area information, go to PetoskeyArea.com.