Ford Lake is a 975-acre reservoir located in Washtenaw County, Michigan, created by damming the Huron River as part of a flood control project. The lake sits near Ypsilanti Township and serves as the terminus of the Huron River Water Trail's Washtenaw County section, which spans 36 miles from Baseline Lake to the Ford Lake Dam.

The lake offers numerous parks with access points lining its shoreline, providing multiple launch options for paddlers. Ford Lake forms the final five-mile stretch of the popular Huron River paddling route, offering flat water paddling opportunities suitable for various skill levels. The lake connects to the broader Huron River Water Trail system, which is designated as a National Water Trail by the Park Service.

Paddlers should expect motor boat traffic throughout the lake, as it accommodates various watercraft. On windy days, conditions can become challenging, and staying close to the shorelines is recommended due to the lake's substantial size. The open water can generate waves that may be uncomfortable for smaller watercraft.

The lake supports diverse fish species including largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and walleye, making it popular for fishing as well as paddling. Wildlife viewing opportunities include various bird species, with the surrounding wetlands providing habitat for migratory birds and resident waterfowl.

Ford Lake was named after industrialist Henry Ford and represents the transition from the natural river environment upstream to a more developed recreational water body. The reservoir environment creates different paddling conditions compared to the flowing river sections above, offering a lake-style experience with broader vistas and different wind patterns.

The lake provides year-round paddling opportunities, though shoulder seasons typically see fewer motorboats on the water. Multiple parks around the shoreline offer amenities and facilities for visitors, making Ford Lake accessible for day trips and extended paddling excursions as part of longer Huron River journeys.