Explore Hiawatha National Forest

Wherever you go in the Upper Peninsula, you are never far from being in the wilderness. But what allures many adventurers to the Hiawatha National Forest is you are also never far from civilization. You can easily reach St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie, Munising, Marquette, Escanaba and Manistique after a day of outdoor recreational bliss. 

HOW TO ACCESS THE FOREST

There are multiple points to enter this 900,000-acre forest divided into two areas, the Eastern Unit and the Western Unit. The Eastern Unit touches three Great Lakes shores, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Superior. The Western Unit spans from Lake Michigan to Lake Superior. It is why it is nicknamed the “Great Lakes National Forest.”

The Eastern Unit has two main access points:

• St. Ignace: Cross the Mackinac Bridge and take I-75 north to: 
  U.S. 2, then west to Brevort 
  M-134 east to the Les Cheneaux Islands
  ​I-75 north to Sault Ste. Marie 
• Sault Ste. Marie
  I-75 south, then west on M-128

The Western Unit has four main access points

• Manistique
  U.S. 2 west to Thompson
• Escanaba
  ​U.S. 41 north to Rapid River
• Marquette
  M-28 west to Au Train
• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
  Follow the picturesque H-58 west to Munising and on to M-28 

WHAT YOU WILL SEE

The Hiawatha National Forest is an ancient geographical masterpiece shaped by glaciers over 10,000 years ago. Here’s what those ice masses left behind for you to explore and play in all four seasons.

GEOGRAPHICAL WONDERS

Besides the sandy and rocky shores of the three Great Lakes, the forest has over 100 inland lakes, more than 700 miles of streams and rivers and vast wetlands. Its trails and waterways take you to colorful sandstone cliffs, several stunning waterfalls and four Great Lakes islands. 

This maturing national forest is home to sugar maple, red maple, American beech, aspen, oak, white pine, red pine, northern white cedar, eastern larch/tamarack, balsam fir and jack pine savannahs. Its abundance of hardwood trees makes the two units spectacular places to take fall color tours — contributing to the U.P. annually ranking as one of the best leaf-peeping destinations in the U.S.

WHERE WILD THINGS THRIVE

This forest is a wildlife haven, home to 312 species of animals, reptiles, amphibians and more. Among these, eleven are federally endangered or threatened, including the grey wolf and Canada lynx. Its wild inhabitants find many places to hide but watch for whitetail deer, black bears, rabbits, wolves, moose, coyotes, bobcats, beavers, red foxes, river otters, muskrats, weasels, minks and cougars.

Bird watchers report seeing over 250 species, including the endangered piping plover. Commonly spotted birds are golden and bald eagles, hawks, sandhill cranes and wild turkeys. The AuTrain Songbird Trail near Munising is a perfect spot to start your birding adventure.

Anglers can find a variety of fish, including trout, bass, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge and perch in the inland waterways. Boat launches and carry-in boat launches ensure you can get on the water and reel them in. 

Wildflower enthusiasts can enjoy a diverse range of blooms, such as Houghton's goldenrod and Pitcher's thistle, thriving in the forest's varied terrain. Make sure to visit the Peninsula Point Lighthouse on the Stonington Peninsula near Escanaba for many reasons. Along its limestone shore, you can find fossils estimated at 400 to 500 million years old. In late summer to mid-September over 200 birds have been recorded to pass through on their migration south. Another memorable experience is to see hundreds of monarch butterflies stop over on their flight path from Canada to Mexico.

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Go Waterfalling

Hiawatha National Forest is home to several stunning waterfalls that attract visitors year-round. Notable among them is: 

• Munising Falls
  A 50-foot cascade in Munising that is easily accessible via a short, paved trail. 
• Wagner Falls
  A picturesque setting along a boardwalk path through lush forest. 
• Miners Falls
  Known for its impressive 40-foot drop, it is reachable via a scenic hike through dense woodland. 
• Chapel Falls
  Along the Chapel Loop trail, it rewards hikers with a beautiful view after a moderate trek. 

Visit Six Historic Lighthouses

Whether you are fascinated by the Great Lakes maritime history of these century-old beacons or in exploring some of the most scenic locations in the U.P., add these to your itinerary. 

• Christmas/Grand Island West Channel Front and Rear Range Lights
• Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse
  On private property; view from your boat or one of the Pictured Rocks or glass-bottomed boat tours.
• Grand Island North Lighthouse
  Closed to the public; this privately owned lighthouse is viewable from your watercraft or a commercial airplane tour.
• Peninsula Point Lighthouse
  Self-guided tours; climb the 40-foot circular staircase for a panoramic view of Lake Michigan. Restrooms, as well as picnic tables and grills, are available.
• Point Iroquois Lighthouse
  During the summer, there are periodic interpretive presentations. Visitors can climb the 65-foot tower and look out to see the Canadian shoreline and ocean-going freighters. 
• Round Island Lighthouse
  You can see close-up views from the ferries crossing from St. Ignace or Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island.

Enjoy Island Adventures

The Hiawatha National Forest is home to four unique Great Lakes islands. Each offers very distinct experiences that turn your time in the U.P. extraordinary.

• Grand Island National Recreation Area is the largest and most-visited island. It boasts a diverse network of trails, spectacular cliffs and expansive sand beaches. Mountain bikers, hikers, boaters, kayakers, campers, ice climbers and snowmobilers love its year-round appeal. 
• Round Island Wilderness, in Lake Huron near the Straits of Mackinac, is within sight of the bustling Mackinac Island. It is known for its lighthouse and secluded beauty. This island is accessible by private boats with the nearest public boat launches in St. Ignace, Hessel and Mackinaw City. Or take a charter boat from Mackinac Island or one of the nearby mainland communities. There are no boat docks, roads, hiking trails or restrooms on the island, so bring food and water and leave no trace of your visit. 
• Government Island is nestled among privately owned islands on Lake Huron. This is the Gem of the Les Cheneaux Islands and is open for day use and Leave No Trace Camping. You can kayak, canoe or motorboat from Cedarville to the uninhabited island and beach at several landings. The most popular landing is on the north shore near the campsites and two outhouses. 
• St. Vital, the smallest island on Lake Michigan, is in the Big Bay de Noc about a half-mile off Stonington Peninsula. It is uninhabited and accessible only with your watercraft. Birders will enjoy seeking the small colony of common terns and black-crowned night herons. Anglers consider it one of the better fishing destinations on the Big Bay.

FOUR SEASONS OF OUTDOOR FUN

SPRING AND SUMMER

Spring and summer in the Hiawatha National Forest offer a plethora of activities. As the snow melts, the forest comes alive with the sounds of migratory birds and the bright colors of blossoming wildflowers. Hiking, fishing and boating are popular pastimes, with numerous boat access sites and hundreds of inland lakes to explore. The forest's rivers and streams teem with walleye, bass, trout, and salmon, making it a prime location for anglers. The forest's trails offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, OHVing and horseback riding. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot sandhill cranes, loons, whitetail deer and potentially even a bobcat or moose.

FALL

Autumn transforms the Hiawatha National Forest into a vibrant tapestry of colors. The foliage ranges from pale yellows to vivid oranges and reds, creating stunning vistas for leaf-peepers. Fall is also a prime time for hunting, with ample opportunities for deer, bear and small game hunting. The cooler weather makes it an ideal season for exploring hundreds of miles of trails and scenic overlooks by backpacking, day hiking, biking, OHVing and horseback riding.

WINTER

The Hiawatha National Forest is between three of the greatest natural lake effect snow machines, Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior — some areas boasting annual snowfalls of 200 inches or more! This creates a new array of recreational opportunities. 

Snowmobiling is a popular activity, with hundreds of miles of groomed trails through hardwood stands, pine forests and frozen swampland awaiting riders. 

For those seeking quieter winter sports, the forest offers 90 miles of groomed skating and diagonal-stride cross-country skiing trails. The St. Ignace to Trout Lake Trail and Sand Dunes Trail west of St. Ignace on U.S. 2 are popular for fat tire biking. The Hiawatha National Forest is also peaceful for backwoods snowshoeing and dog sledding.

When the inland lakes freeze over, hardy anglers can spend hours ice fishing. For tips on where to fish, see this guide.

WHERE TO STAY

CAMPING

Hiawatha National Forest provides diverse year-round camping opportunities, including numerous campgrounds and two cabin rentals. Whether you enjoy camping with a large group of friends and family, a secluded rustic site or with cabin comforts, this forest is full of memorable outdoor experiences.

STAY AT NEARBY LODGINGS

There are many hotels and lodgings in communities in and around the Hiawatha National Forest. Book your stay so you get the dates, amenities, rates and nearby dining options you want. The respite and adventure you long for await in the Hiawatha National Forest. 

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