Kent Lake (Island Lake State Park) - One of the larger lakes in the Metro Detroit area, and possibly the best for paddling. Boat traffic can be moderately heavy, but usually most are sailboats. Often teaming with other kayakers on a warm summer day.
Unfortunately, a large concrete abomination known as Kensington Metropark infests much of the shoreline - they inexplicably charge you $4 per kayak to enter, presumably so they can afford to pour more boat ramps. However, this is easily enough solved by going through Island Lake State Park, launching at the beach at Kent Lake, then just paddling over to the rest of the lake. Island Lake State Park is off I-96, exit 151 (Kensington Road).
There are several small islands in the lake, at least one has a picnic table. Additional islands and shoreline sites to stop at present themselves as you travel northeast along the lake.

Kent Lake

Cooke Dam Pond (near Oscoda) - Technically part of the Au Sable river, this "pond" is one of a series created by dams on the east end of the river. We started from a poorly marked launch site (N44°27.013' W083°40.267') found by turning off M-65 to the right  (Pine Acres? Rd.) just north of where it crosses the river. We then took the first right, and proceeded down a two-track trail to the water. Paddling a quarter mile south of this launch site, we came across Iargo Springs. Though not visible from the water, we could hear the small streams rushing out from the base of the cliffs set back in the trees. From here, the river turns east and widens, passing several sizable islands. During our early October trip, the shoreline was spotted with brilliant gold and red trees rising up the sharp banks - one of the better sites we've found. Afterwards, we drove to the overlooks at Iargo Springs and the Lumberman's Monument to get a different perspective of our trip. A couple sites on shore and a sign at the put-in indicate that camping is allowed, a permit is required from the Forest Service.

Center Lake (near Jackson) - This lake west of Jackson provided a pleasant September paddle for us. Launching from the DNR ramp  (N42°12.959' W084°18.247') off Napolean Rd, we paddled out past a couple of small islands, one with a short trail leading out of the water. Birds were everywhere, including a half dozen swans, a blue heron, and tons of ducks.  The lake is quite shallow in parts, with pretty dense weeds in those areas. The water was brownish and murky near the launch, but cleared up somewhat as we moved out. A couple jetskiers and powerboats around, could be worse in summer. An alternative launch site is Leoni Township park off Fifth Avenue in Michigan Center. Note that from Center Lake you can connect to a series of other lakes (Little Olcott, Olcott, Wolf, and Little Wolf) via the Grand River. Most of these, however, are ringed with houses, while Center Lake is only populated on it's north side.

Belleville Lake (Belleville) - A large lake close to Detroit's western suburbs - about 1/2 mile wide but 5 miles long. It's east-west orientation allows for some decent size waves (for an inland lake) when the wind is very strong and out of the west. Somewhat murky water. Some islands, at least one with a picnic table, are towards the western side of the lake. The DNR boat launch is $4 and inconvenient, but there is a dirt ramp/hand-carry site where Rawsonville Rd. crosses over the west end of the lake.

Island Lake (Island Lake State Park, off I-96 between Brighton and Wixom) - A fun lake about 0.6 miles across, with a couple small islands in the middle. Partly residential, so there is some powerboat traffic.

Silver Lake (Pinckney State Park) - About half of the shoreline is State Park. The other half contains some houses, with the corresponding powerboat traffic. The nearby shooting range sometimes provides for a continuous roar of gunfire. Look for turtles in the water. No JetSkis allowed before 11am. Launch from the State Park by carrying your boats from the main parking lot.

Halfmoon Lake (Pinckney State Park) - Part of a number of connected lakes that can be fun to explore. Unfortuately, a number of residences ring parts of Halfmoon and some nearby lakes. Even in mid-May, with the park practically deserted, there were JetSkis buzzing constantly out on the water. Launch from the Halfmoon unit of the State Park, if that is closed the park recommends launching from the Bruin Lake campground or Hi Land Lake.

Crooked Lake (Pinckney State Park) - Possibly the most relaxing of the lakes in Pinckney State Park, Crooked Lake can be accessed via a dirt road just past the main park entrance. The lake itself is reasonably small, but if you explore for a bit you can find connecting passageways to Pickerel Lake and some smaller ponds. A few cottages along the lake, but few boats (at least in May). Bring your binoculars, a number of birds can be seen. An alternate launch site is available on Pickerel Lake.

Mill Lake (Waterloo State Park, near Chelsea) - a great lake for beginners, Mill Lake is roughly circular, and just over 1/2 mile wide. This was the first lake we dragged our new boats out to, for a brisk late March paddle. The lake was predictably deserted, though probably remains pleasant for kayakers throughout the summer, since it is open to unpowered craft only.

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