Ontonagon County welcomes Recreational Trail Users 

Ontonagon County offers you amazing and safe recreational trails that extend to the ends of the county in all directions. All the major county towns are connected providing you easy access to services, food, gasoline, and accommodations. In the village of Ontonagon trail users have rare access to Lake Superior beaches. The county has about 120 miles of State Designated Multi-use Trails and an additional 200 miles of connecting trails to share with you. These trails can take you to historic mine sites, scenic waterfalls, breath-taking views, and through the Ottawa National Forest. Wildlife may be spotted anywhere along the trails. Ontonagon County also has designated equestrian camping (6 sites) at the Ottawa Courtney Lake campground with direct access to an equestrian trail system. Equestrian riders can also enjoy any of the multi-use trails.

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Porkies) is Michigan’s largest state park (roughly 60,000 acres) and one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. It’s home to a 35,000-acre old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, more than 90 miles of hiking trails, a modern and rustic campground, backcountry camping, the Lake Superior shoreline and unrivaled vistas.

The park boasts many popular natural attractions, including Lake of the Clouds (with an accessible viewing area), and the scenic Presque Isle River corridor. Other attractions include the Summit Peak observation tower, Porcupine Mountains Ski Area, an 18-hole disc golf course and much more. www.mi.gov/porkies

If you are a paddler there are over 15 water trails on rivers that have been identified for your enjoyment and skill level covering the majority of the county. If you prefer inland lakes, they are numerous, and those of significant size have easy access. Of course, the Lake Superior coastline is available for sea kayaking, with sights such as the Porcupine Mountains, Union Bay, 4-Mile Rock, and the 14-Mile Point Lighthouse ruins. Union Bay occasionally has icebergs lasting into May, and paddling during fall colors anywhere is always fantastic.

For hikers, a scenic stretch of the North Country Trail runs through the central and western portion of the county. Arguably the most scenic section of the entire North Country Trail is the Trap Hills near Bergland. The Porcupine Mountains State Park has over 90 miles of maintained hiking trails for all skill levels plus a beautiful section of the North Country Trail that follows Lake Superior. Also check out the hiking and biking trails at the Adventure Mine in Greenland.

Bikers have available all the multi-use trails and the Adventure Biking and Hiking Trails located at the Adventure Mine in Greenland. The Porcupine Mountains State Park offers a couple mountain or fat bike trails, too.