Hiawatha National Forest

Recreational Activities

Opportunities may be found for camping, swimming, fishing, picnicking, auto tours and interpretive trails. Acknowledging a few simple regulations will help to make everyone's visit more enjoyable.

The regular camping and picnicking season extends from May through September. Spring fall days are exhilarating, although the nights are cool. Even in summer the temperature seldom exceeds 90° F. and warm clothing should be available for the evenings. The average annual rainfall rarely exceeds 35 inches, and is mostly spring rains.

Quick Checklist

Some specific areas which may be of particular interest to visitors include:

Recreation Facility Analysis (RFA) : The Hiawatha National Forest has released its “Proposed Program of Work,” which provides an inventory and ranking of the Forest’s developed recreation facilities and suggests a five-year management strategy for those sites. . For more information on Recreation Facility Analysis [click here]

Travel Management & Off-Highway Vehicle - Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM): [Map]

• The motor vehicle use maps have been prepared and issued under 36 CFR 212.56, and identify those roads, trails, and areas designated for motor vehicle use. Click on the [Map] link above to view the MVUM maps.

EAST UNIT : [Map]

• ROUND ISLAND, a wilderness designated area laying in the Straits of Mackinac-undeveloped except for an old abandoned lighthouse on its northwest tip.
• NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL, a picturesque trail made up of 3 sections.
• POINT IROQUOIS LIGHTHOUSE, a picturesque Visitors Center and Historic Site structure at the mouth of the St. Mary's River. Beautiful views of Canada and the lake and ocean-going freighters (salties) plying the river and Lake Superior as they come and go to the Soo Locks.

WEST UNIT: [Map]

• CAMP 7 LAKE, accessible fishing pier, located seven miles east of Forest Highway 13 on Co. Rd. 442,
• MAYWOOD HISTORY TRAIL, a 1/2 mile, fully accessible hiking trail located in the Little Bay de Noc Recreation Area. Interpretive signs describe the rich history of the area.
• BAY FURNACE, ruins of an old pig iron furnace, located on shores of Lake Superior as a developed camp and picnic site.
• PENINSULA POINT, a small picnic area with an old light house tower. Beautiful views of Lake Michigan, the Garden Peninsula and Escanaba. A narrow primitive access road not suited for trailers-no overnight camping.
• GRAND ISLAND EAST CHANNEL LIGHTHOUSE, a historic wooden lighthouse on private land, is easily viewed from the water by tour boat passengers, boaters, and kayakers.
• GRAND ISLAND NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, one of the nation's newest National Recreation Areas, offers spectacular cliffs, quiet beaches and fascinating historical sites.? Whether you prefer a guided tour or the freedom to explore on foot, by water or on your mountain bike, there is something here for you!