WHO KNOWS WHAT YOU'LL FIND . . .
What’s life without a little exploration? Sometimes you need to get out of your car, off the road and into the forest, because you never know just what you’ll discover.
There’s a reason why hiking in The Great Waters is so special. We have some of the most distinctive geography in North America. Our trails lead you through national forests, along rugged cliffs, down long sandy beaches and under the bluest, broadest sky you’ve ever known. Have you ever seen a bald eagle take wing? Keep your eyes open and you just might.
Whether you’re looking for a morning stroll or a 300-mile trek, The Great Waters is calling. We offer a variety of terrains and a wide range of difficulty levels. From the weekend birder to the outdoors adventurer, The Great Waters has a trail that’s right for you. All it takes to get started is one click on our interactive map.
There’s something wonderful out there, waiting for you. Find it on the trails of The Great Waters.
Showing records 1 to 30
Algonquin Cross Country Ski Trail
An easy trail to navigate, with 5 loops totaling 9 miles over easy terrain. Trail is secluded in a mixed hardwood and evergreen forest. …
Au Train Lake, Songbird Trail, & Wildlife Observation Platform - Hiawatha National Forest
This easy 2-mile hiking trail, winds through forest and field, along bog and lakeshore. Near the trailhead, an elevated platform offers a view of Au Train Lake's Buck Bay. The best time to hear the "woodland" concert is in the morning when the birds are most active, but walking along…
Bay de Noc-Grand Island Trail
The 40-mile trail overlooks the Whitefish River basin from a ridge running from Rapid River to Munising. Trail follows the ancient portage route of Chippewa Indians from Lake Michigan to Lake Superior. The Bay de Noc-to-Grand Island Trail begins from a point 2 1/2 miles east of the…
Big Island Lake Wilderness Area
There are 23 small lakes within the area ranging in size from 5 to 149 acres. The lakes are close enough to each other for canoe portaging and are currently linked by marked portage trails. White Birch, Maple, Beech and Quaking Aspen all cover the upland of the area while Hemlock Spruce…
Bruno's Run Trail - Hiawatha National Forest
Bruno’s Run Trail offers a 9 mile (14.48 km) loop ideal for hiking and mountain biking in spring, summer and fall and snow shoeing in the winter. Although the trail is not groomed in winter for cross-country skiing, experienced skiers are able to break their own way. The trail passes…
Clark Lake Loop - Tahquamenon Falls State Park
5.2 miles: Parking and trail are accessed from Clark Lake road, a gravel road located 11 miles southwest of Paradise, or just west of the M-123 turnoff to arrive at the Lower Falls parking lot. Complete the hike to Clark Lake, a nice spot for a picnic or snack on the bordering ancient…
Drummond Island
Drummond Island is comprised of 83,000 acres, 150 miles of rugged scenic shoreline, 133 square miles of forested landscape, and 34 inland lakes. Within this diverse habitat, a number of rare species, land formations and plants can be found. Some of the Island's rare features include Puddingstones,…
Emerson Trail - Tahquamenon Falls State Park
1 mile: Located near the Rivermouth Campground on the Tahquamenon River. The last 200 foot section of the trail leading to Whitefish Bay remains incomplete, and is difficult, but possible to navigate. For birding enthusiasts, the trail head presents opportunities to hear songbirds. The…
Escanaba Non-Motorized Pathway
The City of Escanaba Recreation Department offers the public a year around trail system that can be used for a variety of non-motorized activities. Depending on the weather, this trail system of about 6.6 miles of various loops can be used for cross-county skiing and snow shoeing in the winter months,…
Gemini Lake Pathway
1.5 mile, non-groomed trail. Camping is available on site.…
Giant Pines Loop
3.8 miles: This loop offers hikers the sights and sounds of ancient hemlocks, bubbling streams, and the occasional active woodpecker. The highlights of the trail are two giant white pine trees left over from the late 1800's logging era. In the winter, this trail is groomed for skiing…
Grand Island Loop Hiking
Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, about half a mile from the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. The island's scenic natural beauty and history makes it an attractive place for camping and other outdoor activities. Avid hikers will thoroughly enjoy this loop-styled,…
Hiking and Biking in the Les Cheneaux Area
Spring, summer and fall are all ideal times for biking and hiking in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Exploring by paved roads on bicycle is best in spring and fall, when there is less traffic volume. Highway M-134 runs along the Northern Lake Huron stretch provides beautiful vistas, access to the…
Indian Lake Pathway
3 loops totaling 8.5 miles. Trail is groomed.…
Mackinac Island
There is nothing quite like the Mackinac Island experience; a vacation with no automobiles, waking up to the gentle clip clop of horse and buggy, travelers enjoy leisure carriage tours, butterfly conservatories, fudge tasting, hiking, biking and trail riding through Mackinac State Historic Park . Hikers…
McMahon Lake Preserve Trail
The nature trail on the 3,124 McMahon Lake Preserve is located in Luce County. The preserve lies within the watershed of the Two-Hearted River, a state-designated Natural River. Due to its…
McNearney Hiking Trail
Four loops totaling 9 miles: Located approximately 5 miles north of Strongs Corner. Hilly and forested countryside laid atop ancient sand dunes make this trail an attractive adventure for the interested hiker.…
Munising Ski Trail
8 loops combine for nearly 12 miles of trails tailored to a variety of skill levels and adventure types. Enjoy the trail's beautiful setting within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The trail is available for hikers in the off-season.…
Nature Trail - Tahquamenon Falls State Park
.5 miles: Carpeted with ferns during the summer months, this trail offers hikers an alternative route on their journey from the Upper Tahquamenon Falls to the parking lot. Birding enthusiasts have reported many sightings on this trail during the spring. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. In…
Peninsula Point Lighthouse
Ghosts and rumors also surround the ruins of the Peninsula Point Lighthouse. A fire destroyed the keeper’s house and today all that remains is the lens tower. The grounds where the lighthouse once resided is a park that comes to life every spring with the blooming of the lilac bushes. The park…
Pine Bowl Pathway
Available for hiking, biking, and skiing depending on the season. Track is set for classical skiing. Trail totals 7.7 miles.…
Pine Marten Run Hiking & Horseback Trail
Pine Marten Run is a 26 mile system of hiking and horseback riding trails located in the Ironjaw Semiprivate Area approximately 30 miles northwest of Manistique in Schoolcraft County, Michigan. Accessible from County Roads 440 ad 437, and Forest Road 2258, Pine Marten Run is composed…
Pine Ridge Nature Trail - Seney National Wildlife Refuge
According to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge site, pine ridge nature trail is open year-round during daylight hours. The 1.2 mile trail starts at the Visitor Center and takes visitors through a wide variety of habitats. Take your time on the trail, often animals can't be seen, but signs…
River Trail - Tahquamenon Falls State Park
4.8 miles: The trail between the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls. Exposed roots, hilly terrain and several staircases make this trail difficult. The River Trail travels along the Tahquamenon River and is considered the most scenic trail in the park. This trail makes for a beautiful…
Rudyard School Farm Trail
7 loops total 6 miles on this groomed trail, open in the summer for biking and hiking, and for skiing in the winter. Terrain is almost entirely flat and moderate. …
Schoolcraft County Environmental Laboratory
Many loops total 1.6 miles on this easy to travel ski and hiking trail. Trail is not groomed.…
St. Martin Trail
Two loops totaling 4.5 miles: Located 6 miles west of Hessel on M-134. Features 40% moderate and 60% flat terrain and is rated easy. Eagles, hawks, and deer have been spotted along the trail. The trail is not maintained during the summer, which may make locating the trail difficult. The…
Valley Spur Ski Trail
27 miles of trails spread across a variety of terrain make for an exciting experience, no matter what the season.…
Wilderness Loop - Tahquamenon Falls State Park
7.4 miles: Travelers are led through the most remote areas of the park among old hemlock forests and peatland areas. The trail features a beaver pond and dam on the loop's eastern portion. As ferns grow taller in mid-summer, the trail becomes increasingly difficult to follow. It is recommended…
Zellar Meadows Fitness Trail
One mile trail, gently sloped for wheelchair accessibility. Provides alternate route between Newberry and recreation land up the hill south of town. Meanders through meadow and woodland. Benches and signage, installed summer of '09, more amenities planned.…