Proud Lake Boat Launch

This is really a paddler's launch. The single lane handles canoes and kayaks perfectly, but if you're thinking about trailering a motorboat in here, think again — Proud Lake is small and quiet, and the whole vibe is non-motorized.

The launch is tucked away and easy to miss if you don't know where you're going. Signage within the rec area isn't great, so pull it up on GPS before you head in. Once you find it, though, the seclusion is the whole point.

Eighteen trailer spots sounds tight, but since most folks are sliding kayaks off roof racks, you'll almost always find a spot. I've never seen it full, even on summer Saturdays. Just remember you need a Rec Passport on your vehicle.

The hours flip after Labor Day — you get early access starting at 4am through Memorial Day, which is great for dawn paddles or early fishing. But in peak summer, the gate doesn't open until 8am, which can be frustrating if you want to beat the heat.

The lake and the Huron River connection give you miles of flat, sheltered paddling with decent bass and panfish action along the weedy edges. No jet skis, no wake boats — just herons and turtles. It's one of the best escapes you'll find in Oakland County.