Hiawatha National Forest
87.9 mi total 82.5 certified 0.0 connecting 0.0 marked 5.4 bare
Longfellow's poem is the source of the name for this 880,000 acre national forest, covering much of the upper peninsula in the eastern end, between Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan. Once, it was a forest of tall white pine, before the great clearcut of more than a century ago; today it is a second growth forest of maples, birches, aspen, red and jack pines, and cedar. The forest contains 413 inland lakes, and many miles of rivers and creeks.
The NCNST in the Hiawatha National Forest passes through flat to rolling glacial countryside, with forests, pine plantings, open areas, wetlands, and much else. The trail tends to be pretty remote from settlements, potential maildrops and stores, so chances for resupply are very limited. This is a working forest, and the trail will pass through clearcuts, and occasionally will be obliterated by them. However, Hiawatha National Forest rangers have been assiduious at bringing the trail in the forest to a high standard, and keeping it there. Some relocations take place virtually every year due to timber cutting, so it's wise to get current information.
Motor vehicles and mountain bikes are prohibited on the trail in the Hiawatha; in the spring, there are places where it will be wet, and it can be buggy in the early summer. CAMPING: Trailside camping is permitted anywhere in the park. There are also several forest campgrounds along the trail route. INFORMATION: USDA Forest Service, Sault Ste. Marie Ranger District, 4000 I-75 Business Spur, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49789 (906) 635-5311, or USDA Forest Service, St. Ignace Ranger District, 1492 W. US2, St. Ignace, MI 49781 (906) 643-7900. The Hutchins Guide also covers the trail in the Hiawatha excellently. MAPS: The forest service maps are probably adequate to get most hikers through the forest, as are the maps in this guide, although it's always wise to check with the Ranger District Office about trail relos.
0.0 [0.0] HIAWATHA NF TRAILHEAD
The trail leaves the southeast corner of the parking lot, then turns east into the forest on the south side of the road and descends, then reaches FH 42 again, which it follows for a short distance before reaching a beach parking lot. The trail goes down to the beach and follows it eastward, returning to the highway briefly to cross a small creek, then continues to follow the beach eastward. There's no bridge across the mouth of Roxbury Creek, but the highway is not far away; the trail follows the creek to cross the highway bridge.
1.4 [1.4] CROSS ROXBURY CREEK
The trail follows the creek back to the lake, then follows the beach to Ankdosh Creek. Again, there's no bridge, but it's only a brief turn to get back to FH 42 for the crossing.
2.0 [0.6] CROSS ANKDOSH CREEK
The trail goes back down Ankdosh Creek the short distance to the lake, then follows the shoreline eastward, mostly right on the beach, but occasionally through the trees. FH42 continues to be close to the lake, behind a strip of trees, and the trail soon passes a parking area along FH 42. Naomikong Creek is crossed by what the Hiawatha National Forest officials refer to as the "Little Mac" bridge, built in 1987, a suspension affair like its much bigger brother to the southeast at St. Ignace.
3.5 [1.5] CROSS NAOMIKONG CREEK
The long distance hiker that's been more or less near Lake Superior all the way from Hoveland, Minnesota, should stop just past the east end of the Naomikong Bridge and take a last look back, for this is the last sight of Lake Superior, the last roar of its waves, the last flash of its blue through the trees. To the south, the trail will briefly reach two of the other great lakes, but the big lake, a presence if often not nearby for many hundreds of miles, is now behind them. Not far past the bridge, there's a side trail to a good camping spot, but then the trail turns to the south, crosses a plankway through a low area, and comes to a paved parking area.
4.5 [1.0] CROSS FH 42
After leaving the FH42 parking area on a one-track road through an open area, the trail passes Naomikong Pond, where there are good sites for camping. There are no good campsites near water until reaching Soldier Lake, 12 miles south. The trail passes the east side of the lake and continues south at the edge of a forest and an open area until reaching FR3150.
6.8 [2.3] CROSS FR 3150
The trail turns southeast, circles a logged over area, then jogs west along an old woods road to the FR 3156 crssing.
7.1 [0.3] CROSS FR 3156
After a short distance, the trail descends to cross through several wet areas on plankways. Past the wet area, the trail jogs onto an old forest road for a short distance, passed through the woods for a distance, then follows another old woods lane, then turns southeast to the FR 3195 crossing.
10.2 [3.1] CROSS FR 3159
FR 3159 is also known as Salt Point Road. The trail heads southwest from the road crossing through the forest, briefly following a couple of old woods roads, but mostly gently rolls through a hardwood forest with scattered sections of old growth aspen.
12.8 [2.6] CROSS FR 3158
The trail runs roughly parallel to FR 3158 for a ways, then turns to the southeast, then swings to the southwest, crossing over a maze of old sand woods roads and powerline clearings, until reaching FR3637. In this section, the forest changes from predominantly northern hardwoods to a mixture of jack pine and red pine.
15.6 [2.8] CROSS FR 3637
The trail goes south through a mixture of red pine and jack pine from the road crossing, swings around tiny Dishpan Lake, then heads southwest, then south, to go along the west side of Stump Lake. A powerline clearing and dirt road are crossed before reaching M-28, where there is no good parking area.
16.9 [1.3] CROSS M-28
The trail heads south from M-28, angles over to an old railroad grade, follows it briefly. then turns south to cross an unnamed dirt road. The Solider Lake Campground is to the southeast down this road.
20.1 [1.2] CROSS FR 3535
Camping and drinking water are available at the campground, which is on the far side of the lake from the trail. The trail continues south around the west side of Soldier Lake, follows briefly a couple of old logging roads and an old logging railroad grade, then goes through a large open area, until reaching FR 3653.
19.0 [1.6] CROSS FR 3653
The trail continues south through the open area, then jogs to join an old logging railroad grade, which it follows to FR3535.
20.1 [1.2] CROSS FR 3535
The trail continues south on the old railroad grade for a short distance, then turns southwesterly, and passes through a stand of jack pine, veers to the west, then continues to the southwest until reaching FR 3139.
23.0 [2.9] CROSS FR 3139
The trail leaves FR3139 (also known as Dick Road) heading to the west, but soon turns to the south to reach the edge of Betchler Marsh. The trail follows the marsh edge for approximately two miles. It's possible to camp at several places along the marsh. Once the marsh is left behind, the trail continues to the southwest and goes through mature jack pine for a mile and a half, then follows the Pine River for half a mile.
28.1 [5.1] CROSS FR 3141
FR 3141 is also known as Lone Pine Road. The trail follows the north side of the Pine River through jack/red pine forest; there are several scenic overlooks and places to camp along the river.
31.1 [3.0] CROSS FR 3139
The trail follows along a sand ridge, and generally follows the north side of the Pine River, until reaching the bridge over the river.
32.6 [1.5] CROSS PINE RIVER
Two campsites are located along this section of trail, the first at the Pine River, and the second 1/2 mile west of FR3339, overlooking a small pond. A bridge crosses the river; once across the bridge, the trail runs south through two miles of jack pine forest, and shortly afterward follows sand ridges along the north side of Biscuit Creek for 3/4 mile.
36.0 [3.4] JOIN FR 3339
The trail crosses Biscuit Creek at the FR 3339 bridge. This involves a short roadwalk.
36.3 [0.3] LEAVE FR 3339
The trail heads east into the mixed hardwoods. For the first part of the section, the trail follows along the south side of Biscuit Creek, then turns east to go through a red pine plantation. It approaches the railroad grade, parallels it for a short disrance, then turns south to cross it.
39.4 [3.1] CROSS WISCONSIN CENTRAL RR
Once across the railroad grade, the trail turns to the east again, then to the south near Trout Brook pond, where if goes through a red pine plantation. Approximately half a mile south the trail passes Trout Brook pond, where there is a campsite on the west side.
41.1 [1.7] CROSS CR H40
The trail continues south through slightly rolling sand hills forested with a mixture of aspen and other hardwoods. About a mile before the end of the section, the trail goes through a marshy area with plankways, then climbs to follow along the Niagara Rock Escarpment.
44.1 [3.0] REACH FR3323
Ranger districts change from Sault Ste. Marie to St. Ignace at this point. Shortly after leaving the road, the trail climbs Maple Hill, a long, rocky wall which is part of the Niagara Escarpment, which stretches for 900 miles From New York to Wisconsin. During the last ice age, 10,000 years ago, glacial lakes from melting ice washed against the base of this formation. Once off the hill, the trail follows logging roads to the south before reaching FR 3114.
47.3 [3.2] CROSS FR 3114
Once across the road, the trail bends to the west to parallel the road for a distance, then continues south for a short distance past the small Guard Lake, where there are several good camping sites, then bends to the west to cross FR 3119.
49.5 [1.2] CROSS FR 3119
FR 3119 is also known as East Lake Road; no parking at the trailhead. From here to M123 the trail is wild; there are spots where it is poorly drained and may be wet. The trail bends to the west around the south shore of East Lake. The trail is easy to follow as it crosses a raised area and a couple of logging roads as it heads SW to FR 3122.
52.6 [3.1] CROSS FR 3122
FR3122 is also known as Kenneth Road. There is no trailhead parking. The trail continues southwestward, goes through a short rocky section, then follows the north branch of the Carp River before crossing the river.
53.8 [1.2] CROSS NORTH BRANCH, CARP RIVER
The trail leaves the Carp River bridge on a built-up section, continues nearly on a westerly heading, and runs through another rocky section, crosses an old woods road, then comes to a short plankway leading to the wooden bridge over Taylor Creek.
55.7 [1.9] CROSS TAYLOR CREEK
This section is rather low, and there are several plankways in the first half; the first one right after leaving the bridge. The trail then joins an old woods road for a distance, then departs it, reaches the old Soo Line railroad grade, and follows the railroad grade for about 0.2 mi to cross Bissel Creek, and before turning to cross M123.
57.6 [1.9] CROSS M123
There is no trailhead parking along M123. The trail heads southerly past the crossing, crosses an open area and a pipeline clearing, briefly follows an old woods road, then crosses a low area on a plankway. The trail rises briefly, then comes to the Main Branch of the Carp River. Potentially good campsites are near the river.
59.4 [1.8] CROSS MAIN BRANCH, CARP RIVER
Despite the name, the Carp River is actually quite a good salmon and trout stream. This strong-flowing stream is crossed on a 50-foot wooden bridge. The trail then turns southwest for a distance, then west on an old woods road to FR 3124. In this area are natural openings where sandhill cranes can sometimes be seen.
60.2 [0.8] CROSS FR 3124
The trail continues to follow the old woods road southwestward, crosses a natural gas pipeline, skirts the edge of a pond, goes through a low area, then turns onto a plankway that leads to the Silver Creek Bridge. Much of the forest in this area was logged over in the 1800s, then planted with red and jack pine by the CCC in the 1930s.
62.3 [2.1] CROSS SILVER CREEK
The plankway contines to the west from Silver Creek, another good trout stream; then after the plankway comes to an end, the trail turns to the south again, and emerges on CR520.
63.0 [0.7] CROSS CR 520
CR 520 is also known as Worth Road. There is no trailhead parking. The trail crosses CR 520, and shortly past it jogs to the west for a distance before continuing southerly. It circles a ravine, crosses a small dirt road, and passes through a pine plantation, and continues southwesterly until joining the paved FR3108 to cross the Little Brevoort River. The trail leaves the road to parallel it for a distance, then turns to cross it, and continues through the woods before reaching FR3473, a blacktop road that leads to Brevoort Lake Campground.
BREVOORT LAKE CAMPGROUND lies about half a mile down the spur trail to the east. There are 70 developed campsites, toilets, and drinking water. In the summer months, there is a camp store. Selection is not high, and limited to family camping and convenience type items, but it's enough to get the hungry long distance hiker to St. Ignace.
65.3 [2.3] PASS BREVOORT LAKE CG
The trail continues through the woods on the south side of 4,233 acre Brevoort Lake, which is not seen for a mile or so into the section. The lake appears to the north; the trail is hilly until reaching the Brevoort Dam, which the trail descends a flight of steps to reach.
67.7 [2.4] PASS BREVOORT LAKE DAM
Just past the dam is a good campsite. The trail continues eastward through the woods, follows the shore through several sand dunes, then turns inland and reaches FR3303, the access road to the dam.
68.6 [0.9] CROSS FR 3303
The trail crosses the Brevoort River on the road, then continues on to the southeast to the south of the road. After some distance, the trail turns to the south, crosses a power line clearing, and then turns to the east with small climbs and descents, crosses the Brevoort River a third time on a small wooden bridge, and turns east to reach CR57.
71.6 [3.0] CROSS CR H57
There is no trailhead parking at CR H57. The trail continues east on a forest lane, leaves it shortly, and makes short climbs and descents until reaching the Pte. Aux Chenes River Bridge.
73.1 [1.5] CROSS PTE. AUX CHENES RIVER
Shortly after the small bridge, a good camping area is reached. The trail continues eastward on a level until reaching a sandy powerline clearing.
74.7 [1.6] CROSS POWERLINE CLEARING
The trail follows the powerline clearing for a short distance, then leaves it on an abandoned forest lane. Farther to the east, the trail passes a large marshy area, then climbs to a view, where Brevoort Lake can be seen back to the west. There are many sand ridges in this area. The trail crosses a sand road, then veers to the northeast before reaching the old Soo Line Railroad Grade.
82.5 [5.8] JOIN OLD RR GRADE
The certified NCT continues on to the northeast for about .4 miles to the trailhead in this area, but the long-distance user will want to leave the marked trail at this point and turn southeast on the old railroad grade.
83.5 [1.0] REACH FR 400
It's level walking, slightly downhill, to the southeast until reaching the forest boundary.
85.4 [1.9] CROSS UNDER I-75
The railroad grade continues to the southeast, crossing under I-75 and into the city, reaching Church Street at the end of the street.
ST. IGNACE, MI 49781 (Pop. 2,632) Both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City (at the other end of the Mackinac Bridge, and yes, note the different spellings) are very much tourist towns, both dominated by the bridge and Mackinac Island. For eastbounders, St. Ignace is the end of a long dry spell in terms of places to resupply; for westbounders, it's the last good place to stock up. St. Ignace is the larger of the two towns, and the more complete in terms of stores and availability of services, but it is also the more spread out, stretching for miles along US2 and the harbor front, whereas everything in Mackinaw City, while smaller, is more convenient. Both are good for long-term resupply, with St. Ignace being slightly better; Mackinaw City may be slightly better with hiker-oriented supplies. LODGING: Over 30 motels, most busy during peak season in the weekends, especially so on Labor Day weekend; plenty of rooms off-peak, though most motels close in the winter. For a complete list of St. Ignace area motels, write St. Ignace Area Chamber of Commerce, 11 S. State St, St. Ignace (906) 643-8717. Restaurants: too many to list, but range from fine dining to touristy to Big Boy/McDonalds/Burger King. St. Ignace is the last chance to get a real Upper Peninsula pasty, as there are several restaurants specializing in them. GROCERIES: Full service supermarket, plus several convenience stores. OTHER: Laundromat, hardware, sporting goods, pharmacy, bank, doctor, dentist, hospital.
MACKINAC ISLAND: Reached by ferry from Mackinac City or St. Ignace, bicycles, your own feet, or horses are the only modes of transportation on the island; motor vehicles are not allowed. Mackinac Island was designated as our second national park in 1875, a status it retained until 1895, when the park was turned over to the state. No camping facilities are available on the island, but many resort hotels and tourist rooms are located in the village. Bring money; this is one of Michigan's premier tourist attractions.
86.7 [1.3] LEAVE RAILROAD GRADE; JOIN CHURCH STREET
Any of the cross streets north of the US-2 will also take the hiker east to downtown and the ferry docks. At the end of the street, a short trail around a fence takes the hiker through a woods, emerging in Straits State Park.
STRAITS STATE PARK, just east of the bridge, has 181 acres and 318 modern campsites and some organization campsites, and has a playground and beach house. It is on a reservation system and is usually full in the summer. (906) 643-8620.
87.6 [0.9] ENTER STRAITS STATE PARK
Continuing through the park westbound brings the hiker out at a large parking lot. On the far side of the parking lot is the headquarters building and toll booths for the Mackinac Bridge, looming to the south.
87.9 [0.3] MACKINAC BRIDGE TOLL BOOTH
Crossing the bridge is described in the next section; description of this segment ends here.