What to do and see in Michigan, United States: The Best Forests

October 6, 2021 Brandee Mangan

Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
Restaurants in Michigan

1. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

33303 Headquarters Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49953-9087 +1 906-885-5275 http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 597 reviews

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Consists of 60,000 acres of lakes, forests and rivers.

Reviewed By TUrbanik - Clawson, United States

Wanting to take in some fall color while staying relatively close to home my wife and I decided to spend a week kicking around in the Upper Peninsula (Michigan). We’ve spent a fair amount of time on the east side of the UP but not a lot over on the west. So this time we set out for The Porcupine Mountains, located in Ontonagon, Mi. Some 60 miles from Ironwood which sits on the MI/WI boarder. Never having spent anytime in the Porcupine Mtns. (Porky’s as I have heard some refer), and only having two days to do so, we wanted to take in as much as possible. First off we tent camped at Union Bay campground, which is modern with all the amenities. They have a variety of available sites that range from rustic to modern. I recommend checking with the ranger station to get a map. They will also help steer your visit. With limited time I suggest hitting Lake Of The Clouds, Summit Peak and Presque Isle River. These three spots give you a good sense of what the park has to offer, and from there you can branch off to focus on what really strikes your interest. While there are many trails to explore, there are trails for each skill level and ability. All the trails are well marked with trail markers. Most are a combination of foot trails, boardwalks and stairs. Lake of the Clouds offer breath taking views, Summit Peak also offers great views with the addition of a watchtower, and Presque Isle River takes you on a hike along either shore, (take a short suspension bridge to the footpath or use the boardwalk on the near side), to view some beautiful waterfalls all the way to the mouth of the river as it empties into Lake Superior. Our visit was in mid September so crowds were minimal, but families, couples and singles were present. Weather was unseasonably mild. Would advise coming prepared for anything , as the UP can be unpredictable. Good Hiking.

2. Hiawatha National Forest

Hwy 13, Munising, MI 49895 +1 906-428-5800 http://www.fs.usda.gov/hiawatha
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 30 reviews

Hiawatha National Forest

Reviewed By 480christyc - Franklin, United States

What a beauty and saving grace! The Superior coast can be a bit overcrowded in August so head inland a bit and find a small rustic campground in Hiawatha. There's no shortage of beautiful lakes to watch the sunrise from. Make friends with your camp hosts and thank them for a clean pit toilet and tidy campground. Then support your National Parks!!

3. Huron-Manistee National Forests

1755 S Mitchell St, Cadillac, MI 49601-7079 +1 231-775-2421 http://www.fs.usda.gov/hmnf
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Huron-Manistee National Forests

4. Clark's Marsh

Perimeter Rd, Oscoda, MI
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Clark's Marsh

5. The Curtains - Ice Climbing Wall

1654, 1664 Sand Point Rd, Munising, MI 49862
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Curtains - Ice Climbing Wall

6. Sand Lakes Quiet Area

Williamsburg, MI +1 231-922-5280 http://www.michigan.org/property/sand-lakes-quiet-area/
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24 reviews

Sand Lakes Quiet Area

Jet skis, snowmobiles and other noisy vehicles are prohibited in the 2,775-acre area, part of the Pere Marquette State Forest.

Reviewed By D5896QUjamesc - Detroit, United States

Close by, just north of Traverse City, beautiful nature area with miles of well marked trails for summer and winter fun. Have hiked, snowshoed and explored many times.

7. Dowagiac Woods

Frost Street, Dowagiac, MI http://www.michigannature.org/home/sancts/dowagiac/dowagiac.shtml
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Dowagiac Woods

8. Kuebler Langford Nature Area

Beechwood Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 +1 734-794-6000 [email protected] http://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/Pages/KueblerLangford.aspx
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Kuebler Langford Nature Area

9. Horseshoe Harbor

Mandan Road Mary Macdonald Preserve, Copper Harbor, MI
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

Horseshoe Harbor

Reviewed By Eldereaglewatcher - Chippewa Falls, United States

Drive onto the gravel road at the end of Hwy 41 to get to Horseshoe Harbor. There's a parking area and signage for the 1/2 mile hike to Horseshoe Harbor which is serene and beautiful. If you're a little unsteady on your feet, take hiking poles and wear boots. Otherwise athletic shoes are fine.

10. Barton Nature Area

1010 W Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 +1 734-794-6000 [email protected] http://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/Pages/BartonNatureArea.aspx
Excellent
40%
Good
60%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

Barton Nature Area

Reviewed By jermil - Ann Arbor, United States

This area is located on one of the Huron River's widest spots in the Ann Arbor area. Great place to sit and relax. Trails go in several directions. Rarely crowded. Fun to walk over the dam. After a big rain, all 10 gates are dramatically open.

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