| Segment 28 Crooked Lake Outlet to Craig Lake State Park |
| Trail adopter(s): LuAnn & Reggie Krueger, 906-226-2031 |
| Segment length: 3.8 miles |
| Last update: March 2010 |
| Other trail: Crooked Lake Spur |
| Other trail: Craig Lake East Spur |
| On the trail: |
|
Westbound: There is no vehicle access point to the east end (Crooked Lake Outlet at N46 37.422 W88 09.070) of Segment 28. (See Segment 27 for directions if you wish to enter that way.). From the west end of Segment 27, the bridge over the Crooked Lake Outlet, head west following the trail as it curves around in a large arc to the left before heading more southerly. You will pass glimpses of Craig Lake and end this segment on a two track. Portions of this segment are very hilly. As you get closer to Craig Lake, you will encounter other trails, i.e. Crooked Lake Spur and Craig Lake East Spur. See the Craig Lake Trails map for more details. You will exit the NCNST at the Craig Lake Road just north of the Craig Lake State Park parking area.
Eastbound: From Craig Lake State Park parking area follow Craig Lake Road for 0.2 mile then turn right into the trail as it heads east around the tip of Craig Lake on your left. You will be walking on a two track for part of this hike. As you make your way northeast you will cross intersections of other trails, i.e. Craig Lake East Spur and Crooked Lake Spur. See the Craig Lake Trails map for more details. Portions of this segment are very hilly. You will skirt the east side of Craig Lake as you head more northerly and eventually turn back to the east, ending at the Crooked Lake Outlet at N46 37.422 W88 09.070. Note there is no vehicle access to this end point. You need to continue on through Segment 27 to reach vehicle access. (See Segment 27 for directions.) |
| Previous segment: 27 - Lake Elinor Outlet to Crooked Lake Outlet |
| Next segment: 29 - Craig Lake to Long Lake Outlet |
Vehicle access for this segment:
-
From US-41 west of Michigamme turn north (right coming from the east or left coming from the west) onto Nelligan Road, also known as Craig Lake Road. Follow the signs for approximately 6.5 miles to the parking lot at Craig Lake. A Michigan State Park sticker is required for your vehicle.From the parking lot, walk down the gated road. The NCT goes both directions from this road, to the east and to the west. The first segment turns off to the right just before the privy. This segment is over very rough, steep terrain and ends at the bridge at the Crooked Lake outlet.
Download printable full page map and directions as a pdf file. Craig Lake Trails and Craig Lake State Park maps are also available.
The Craig Lake State Park parking area is at the west end of this segment and provides the "main" road in (rough and an adventure in itself!) from US 41. Vehicles with high ground clearance are recommended. It is Michigan's most remote state park, a wilderness with rustic campsites, cabins and yurts for rent. Fortunately the park keeps some of the trails up, but it's still a rugged area to maintain. The park contains six full lakes and a variety of wildlife such as deer, black bear, beaver, loons and moose. Large boulders dot the landscape as well as hills and valleys.
With the rugged terrain, lakes and rivers, it's a beautiful area to hike and a peaceful place to get away from everything.
Portions of this segment of the NCT are described in Eric Hansen's Hiking Michigan's Upper Peninsula, pp. 80 - 84.
As you get out and hike this or any of our segments, please contact the trail adopter or Cliff Stammer (906-228-9897 / cnstammer@charter.net) with reports of trail conditions, including blow-downs, washouts, and inadequate blazing.
