15 Hiawatha National Forest Best Hikes
Wondering what the Hiawatha National Forest best hikes are? Here are 15 of the best hikes that allow you to experience the scenic beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Hiking in Hiawatha National Forest is an incredible way to experience the scenic beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The trails in Hiawatha National Forest allow you to explore nature, see wildlife, visit the sandy beaches of the Great Lakes, and experience incredible scenic views along the way.
Here are 15 Hiawatha National Forest best hikes, that are guaranteed to let you experience the stunning nature that Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has to offer.
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Hiawatha National Forest Best Hikes
There are many options for Hiawatha National Forest Hiking Trails as the national forest spans an impressive 880,000 acres. Below is a list of 15 Hiawatha National Forest best hikes, to help you find the best Hiawatha National Forest Hiking trail for you.
1. Grand Island Loop
DISTANCE: 20 Mile Loop | TIME: 7-8 hours | DIFFICULTY: Hard
Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, and this breathtaking hike will loop around the entire island, with a 1200 ft elevation gain. This trail is a great option for mountain bikes, day hikes, or backpacking. There are some campsites available, but a reservation is required during the summer months.
The views of Grand Island Loop are incredible and overlook the crystal blue waters of Lake
Superior. At certain points, it is possible to see the famous Pictured Rocks. The first 11 miles going clockwise tend to be the most scenic, but this is the part with the most elevation gain.
While this is a difficult hike due to the length and elevation gain, it is one of the most scenic and best Hiawatha National Forest Hikes.
To get to Grand Island, you’ll need to take the passenger ferry, which is located around 2.5 miles west of Munsing. The ferry runs from the end of May to the beginning of October. The best time to hike Grand Island Loop is in July and August.
2. Miners Falls Trail
DISTANCE: 1.2 Miles Out and Back | TIME: 40 Minutes| DIFFICULTY: Easy
Miners Falls Trail leads to a picturesque waterfall in Northern Michigan. Miners Falls Trail will take you through the serene forest and lead you to the waterfall, which cascades 50 feet over a sandstone cliff.
This is one of Hiawatha National Forest best hikes as it is easy, yet scenic. It is the perfect way to experience nature and enjoy a calm atmosphere.
The trail is open year-round. However, the road that leads to the trailhead is not plowed in the winter, so if there is snow it may not be passable. The best time to visit this trail is in the summer for the lush green forest, or fall for the vibrant fall leaves.
3. Bruno’s Run Trail
DISTANCE: 10 Mile Loop | TIME: 4 hours | DIFFICULTY: Medium
Bruno’s Run Trail is a scenic forest hike that passes by small lakes and streams. Due to its
remote location, the hike is very quiet and peaceful, making it a great hiking trail in Hiawatha National Forest. The trail is relatively flat and is perfect for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
Bruno’s Run Trail is open year-round, although it is not groomed in the winter, and may be full of ice or snow. Therefore, the best time to visit is between May-October.
4. Au Train Songbird Trail
DISTANCE: 2 Mile Loop | TIME: 45 min | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Au Train Songbird Trail is a 2-mile trail, perfect for an easy level hike in Hiawatha National
Forest. The trail is located next to the Au Songbird campground. This trail winds around the forest, field, and lakeshore, and has an observation platform on Train Lake’s Buck Bay.
This is a great Hiawatha National Forest hiking trail for bird enthusiasts, as you can see and hear plenty of birds in this area. In the forest, there are chickadees, cedar waxwings, and nuthatches, while in the bay area, you may see shorebirds, ducks, or an eagle.
The trail is open from May 15th to October 30th. To hear the birds, it is best to go early in the morning when they are most active.
5. Peninsula Point Trail
DISTANCE: 1 Mile Point to Point | TIME: 45 min | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Peninsula Point Trail is a 1-mile long trail that starts at the RV parking lot and ends at the
picturesque Peninsula Point Lighthouse. This is a nice, easy trail to take to get some great
views of the lighthouse.
The beautiful Monarch Butterflies are common in this area, especially around the Peninsula Point Lighthouse. The distinctive orange butterflies flock to Pointhouse Peninsula in mid-August to September, before migrating south.
The Peninsula Point Trail is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in August-September to see the Monarch Butterflies.
6. Valley Spur Ski Trail
DISTANCE: 4.8 Mile Loop | TIME: 2 Hours | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Valley Spur Ski Trail is perfect for cross-country skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer. The trail loop is easy, with little elevation gain. In the winter, the trail is groomed, although there still can be icy patches.
Valley Spur Ski Trail is open year-round and is a great trail to try out some winter sports like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. For the most snow, it’s recommended to visit between December through February.
7. Monocle Lake Interpretive Trail
DISTANCE: 2.6 Mile Loop | TIME: 1 Hour | DIFFICULTY: Easy
This is an easy hike in Hiawatha National Forest, perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing
nature walk. The trail loops around Monocle Lake, and part of the trail is on an elevated
boardwalk. This is a great option for people with low stamina for hiking as there are benches for resting.
The calm and serene atmosphere of Monocle Lake makes this one of the best hiking trails in Hiawatha National Forest.
Monocle Lake Interpretive Trail is open year-round, but the best time to visit this trail is from late September to October, as the fall colors are vibrant and beautiful. This is the perfect hike to add to a fall colors tour in Northern Michigan.
8. Eben’s Ice Caves Trail
DISTANCE: 2.2 Mile Out and Back | TIME: 1 Hour | DIFFICULTY: Medium
Eben’s Ice Caves is a unique hiking trail in Hiawatha National Forest. The ice caves aren’t
caves, but are icicles that form and drop down 10-20 feet. It is a unique winter experience in Michigan.
To see Eben’s Ice Caves, you’ll take a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail. Since this is a winter trail, you’ll need to have snow boots, and preferably ice cleats, as it can get slippery.
Eben’s Ice Caves trail should be hiked in the winter between January-March, with the best time being from the middle of January through the middle of February.
9. Colewell Lake Trail
DISTANCE: 2 Mile Loop | TIME: 1 Hour | DIFFICULTY: Easy
One of Hiawatha National Forest best hikes to do with kids is Colewell Lake Trail. This trail is easy and goes around the scenic Colewell Lake. The trail provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air with the whole family.
Colewell Lake is a popular spot for hiking, but also for camping, fishing, and bird watching.
The trail is open year-round. In the winter, this trail is a popular spot to try snowshoeing, and in the summer it’s perfect for enjoying the warm sunny weather.
10. Miners Castle to Miner’s Beach Trail
DISTANCE: 2.8 Miles Out and Back | TIME: 1.5 Hours| DIFFICULTY: Medium
Miners Castle to Beach Trail is part of the longer North Country Scenic Trail. This trail will take you down from Miners Castle, past the river, and through the forest down to Miner’s Beach.
Enjoy some time at the beach before making your way back to the starting point.
Miners Castle to Miners Beach Trail is open year-round, but the roads that lead to the trailhead are not plowed in the winter, so if there is a lot of snow it isn’t passable.
The best time to visit is in July or August, when you can enjoy the beach, or in the fall for the fall colors.
11. Haymeadow Falls Trail
DISTANCE: 1.4 Mile Loop | TIME: 30 Minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Haymeadow Falls Trail is a loop trail that goes from Haymeadows Campground to Haymeadow Falls, which is a series of small staircase waterfalls. One interesting thing about this trail is that you can typically see quality trout streams and anglers along the river banks.
Parts of this trail can be wet, so it’s good to have waterproof shoes. It is also a bit less
maintained than other trails in the area.
The trail is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between May to October.
12. Maywood Bayshore Trail
DISTANCE: 2.6 Miles Out and Back | TIME: 1 Hour | DIFFICULTY: Easy
This unique trail goes through a 200-year-old hemlock forest on the shore of Little Bay de Noc.
This trail has historical significance, as it was once a spot inhabited by Native Americans. Today, there are also the old foundations of an old resort hotel that you will pass by.
The trail is maintained and open between the middle of May to early October. It is a great trail for exploring, bird-watching, and camping.
13. Mission Hill
DISTANCE: 3.6 Miles Out and Back | TIME: 1.5 Hours | DIFFICULTY: Medium
The Mission Hill Trail is a moderately difficult trail located near Brimley, Michigan. This hike has an elevation gain of around 416 ft.
The hike is perfect for a moderately challenging hike on a nice summer day, as a portion of the hike will pass by both the Spectacle and Monocle Lakes.
The trail is open year-round, but the best time to complete this hike is from April through
September.
14. North Country Trail Brevoort Lake to St. Ignace
DISTANCE: 22 Miles Point to Point | TIME: 7-8 Hours | DIFFICULTY: Hard
North Country Trail is a portion of a longer hiking trail that spans several states. This hiking trail makes for some of Hiawatha National Forest best hikes. This portion of the trail is a
well-maintained hiking trail that goes from Brevoort Lake to St. Ignace.
The hike is a perfect day-long hiking opportunity near Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. At certain points in the hike, you can see the famous Mackinac Bridge.
The trail is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in September and October when the fall colors are vibrant and there are fewer mosquitoes.
15. North Country Trail River Rock Falls to Valley Spur Head
DISTANCE: 18 Miles Point to Point | TIME: 6-7 Hours | DIFFICULTY: Hard
This hike is another portion of the longer North Country Trail, near Au Train, Michigan. The hike starts from River Rock Falls and continues to Valley Spur Head. This is a difficult hike and has elevation gains of 1,197 ft. On the way, there is plenty to see from wildlife to plantlife.
The trail is open year-round, but the best time to complete this hike is between May through October.
Hiawatha National Forest Best Hikes Packing List
When hiking the Hiawatha National Forest trails, it is essential to be prepared. Below is the
ultimate packing list for what you need while hiking in Hiawatha National Forest.
- Hiking Boots – Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are necessary, I recommend waterproof ones
- Reusable Water Bottle – Hydration is essential when hiking!
- Lifestraw – A water filter device to drink fresh water from the source and filter out bacteria
- Mosquito Repellent – Northern Michigan can have lots of mosquitos
- Hiking Day Pack – Carrying a backpack makes it easy to store everything you need
- Portable Charging Bank – Allows you to charge your phone without electricity
- Protein Snacks – Make sure to have some food for energy
Where to Stay When Hiking in Hiawatha National Forest
There are a few different options for where to stay when hiking in Hiawatha National Forest.
Below is some more information about campgrounds and hotels that are in the area
Hiawatha National Forest Camping
There are many campgrounds in Hiawatha National Forest. Many campsites are rustic camping, with no electricity or water hookups.
Some campgrounds offer full RV hookups. Some of the popular campsites include Au Train Lake Campground, Little Bass Lake Campsites, Island Lake Campground, and more.
In Hiawatha National Forest dispersed camping is allowed, which means you can camp outside of an official campground for up to 16 days at a time.
Hiawatha National Forest Hotels
Sometimes after a long hike, it’s nice to check into a hotel, take a relaxing shower and get a good night’s sleep. As Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is fairly remote, there aren’t a ton of
accommodation options, but below are some of the best choices of where to stay in Hiawatha National Forest.
Comfort Inn & Suites Munising – Lakefront
This well-rated hotel is located just outside of Munising, and one of its highlights is being right on the lakefront. Breakfast is also included at this hotel, which is a great way to start the day before hiking some trails.
Click Here to Check Availability and Book your Stay at Comfort Inn & Suites Munising – Lakefront
Roam Inn
Roam Inn is located just outside of Munising, making it a convenient location for visiting
Hiawatha National Forest. This cozy inn is well-rated and offers spacious rooms that are perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking in Hiawatha National Forest.
Click Here to Check Availability and Book your Stay at Roam Inn
Hiawatha National Forest Best Hikes Tips
- Tip 1 – Bring more than enough water, and a refillable water bottle.
- Tip 2 – Make sure to bring bug spray as mosquitoes are common in Northern Michigan.
- Tip 3 – Be aware of bears and follow these tips from the National Park Service.
- Tip 4 – Dress in layers, as Michigan weather changes quickly
- Tip 5 – Download an offline map on your phone. To do this, get the Google Maps app, type in Hiawatha National Forest, and select “download the offline map”. This will make it possible to get directions even if you have no cell phone service while on the trail.
Hiawatha National Forest Best Hikes: FAQ
Yes, there are Black Bears in Hiawatha National Forest. While there have been relatively few incidents between people and bears, it is important to be aware of bears. If you come across a bear, do not run from it, instead stay calm and move away slowly and sideways. If the bear approaches, make yourself big and make lots of noise to scare it off.
Hiawatha National Forest is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, inland lakes, a variety of wildlife species, and scenic fall colors. Since Hiawatha National Forest borders three of the Great Lakes, it has been nicknamed the Great Lakes National Forest. Hiawatha National Forest is also the only national forest that is home to 6 lighthouses.
There are 6 different wilderness areas in Hiawatha National Forest, including Big Island Lake, Delirium, Horseshoe Bay, Mackinac, Rock River Canyon, and Round Island. These wilderness areas offer rustic backcountry camping, canoeing, and off-trail hiking areas.
There is a possibility of Grey Wolves in Hiawatha National Forest, however, wolf sightings are not common. According to the Michigan DNR, there are only approximately 600-700 wolves that live in the entire Upper Peninsula. In comparison, there are an estimated 10,000 Black Bears that live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Final Thoughts: Hiawatha National Forest Best Hikes
Hiawatha National Forest is an incredible place to visit in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Hiawatha National Forest’s best hikes will give you a scenic and peaceful experience amongst the beautiful Great Lakes and peaceful forests. There are so many different hikes to choose from, that there is sure to be something for everyone. This list of Hiawatha National Forest best hikes is sure to help you best prepare for an incredible time in Michigan’s UP.
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