McMahon Lake Preserve Trail – The nature trail on the 3,124 McMahon Lake Preserve is located in Luce County. The preserve lies within the watershed of the Two-Hearted River, a state-designated Natural River. Due to its remote location and swampy nature, the area has avoided logging and development.
Some of the locals you may see while visiting McMahon Lake Preserve include the pine marten, moose, otter, sandhill crane, northern harrier, bear, wolf, loon, coyote and much more. It is recommended that you bring insect repellent because the black flies and mosquitoes are abundant. Also, wear ankle high boots because portions of the trail are very wet. The preserve is open all year round from dawn until dusk.
Muskallonge Lake State Park – Short trails connect from the park to the nearby North Country Trail. The 1.5 mile Muskallonge Lake Trail is open for hiking.
Tahquamenon Logging Museum – The nearby nature trail and boardwalk are available for hiking and exploration.
Two Hearted River – The North Country Trail passes near the mouth of the Two Hearted. Most trails in the area of the Two Hearted are rated for moderate difficulty.
Zellar Meadows Fitness Trail – This one mile trail is gently sloped for wheelchair accessibility. Provides alternate route between Newberry and recreation land up the hill south of town. Meanders through meadow and woodland. Benches and signage, installed summer of ’09, more amenities planned.
Curly Lewis Memorial Highway – Available via access to The North Country Trail, which begins to parallel the highway right as it nears the shoreline of Whitefish Bay.
North Country Trail – The North Country Trail stretches 4,600 miles across seven states from New York to North Dakota, making it America’s longest Scenic Trail. The trail winds its way through the Upper Peninsula and passes south of Paradise along the Tahquamenon River before heading north to the Lake Superior shoreline, highlighting some scenic locations to go hiking in Michigan. Visitors traveling from Paradise interested in UP hiking will find the North Country Trail accessible from the Rivermouth campground and the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls.
Clark Lake Loop – 5.2 miles: Trail accessed from Clark Lake road, 11 miles southwest of Paradise. Complete the hike to Clark Lake, a nice spot for a picnic or snack on the bordering ancient sand dunes.
Emerson Trail – 1 mile: Located near the Rivermouth Campground on the Tahquamenon River. The last 200 foot section of the trail leading to Whitefish Bay remains incomplete, and is difficult, but possible to navigate. For birding enthusiasts, the trail head presents opportunities to hear songbirds.
Giant Pines Loop – 3.8 miles: This loop offers hikers the sights and sounds of ancient hemlocks, bubbling streams, and the occasional active woodpecker. The highlights of the trail are two giant white pine trees left over from the late 1800′s logging era.
Nature Trail – .5 miles: Carpeted with ferns during the summer months, this trail offers hikers an alternative route on their journey from the Upper Tahquamenon Falls to the parking lot. Birding enthusiasts have reported many sightings on this trail during the spring. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.
River Trail – 4.8 miles: The trail between the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls. Exposed roots, hilly terrain and several staircases make this trail difficult. The River Trail travels along the Tahquamenon River and is considered the most scenic trail in the park.
Wilderness Loop – 7.4 miles: Hikers are led through the most remote areas of the park among old hemlock forests and peatland areas. The trail features a beaver pond and dam on the loop’s eastern portion. As ferns grow taller in mid-summer, the trail becomes increasingly difficult to follow. It is recommended for advanced hikers only.
Leashed dogs are welcome on these State Park hiking trails!
Call 906-492-3415 for trail maps and additional information.