| About Hiawatha National Forest |
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| Bay de Noc - Grand Island Trail |
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Difficulty:
Moderate
Elevation:
750 Feet
Elevation Gain:
Minimal
Length, One-way:
40 Miles
Point of Interest:
Whitefish River Valley
Reservation:
No
Season:
Year-round
From Munising, MI, Access C: Travel 10 miles southwest along M-94. Parking lot is on the north side of the road opposite Ackermen Lake.
Location Information
The Bay de Noc - Grand Island Trail parallels the Whitefish River, starting from half a mile to two miles east of the river. The trail follows the approximate location of an ancient Chippewa Indian portage route used to carry canoes and supplies between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Following the river bluff for a considerable distance, it offers the hiker many extended views to the west across the Whitefish River Valley.The southern quarter of the trail winds along through jack pine, red pine, and aspen timber, interspersed with grassy openings. The terrain is fairly level, broken only by an occasional stream crossing. As the trail stretches northward through the maple, paper birch and beech forest, the hiker encounters the typical glacial terrain characterized by short rounded hilly scattered in random fashion. These rounded hills are occasionally separated by one to five mile stretches of flat land supporting pine and aspen timber. Other associated recreation facilities include numerous primitive access roads leading from CR 509 to the trail. There are also three large assembly areas for horses and hikers that consist of parking lot, tethering area, water well and vault toilets. One such area is located at the south trailhead, one at the Alger-Delta County Line and one along the north side of M-04. These areas are also suitable for camping. The middle assembly area is better suited for camping than the others because of its large space and quiet location off of CR 509. While water is available at the parking areas, it is suggested that you carry a drinking water supply with you. In order to be safe, all drinking water should be boiled or disinfected. Fishing opportunities exist in Haymeadow Creek, which supports brook and steelhead, and Whitefish River, which supports brook, brown, and steelhead. Camping permits are not required, however, competitive events such as group races require a permit in advance. Nearby attractions include Cleveland Cliffs Basin, Forest Lake State Campground, Au Train River, Au Train Falls, Haymeadow Campground, Haymeadow Creek, and Eighteenmile Lakes.
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