Wilderness State Park

Wilderness State Park of Emmet County, Michigan

Directions:

11 miles W. of Mackinaw City on Wilderness Park Drive.

Trail List:

• Wilderness-Big Stone - 0.75 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
• Wilderness-East Boundary - 2 (Miles), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
• Wilderness-East Ridge - 1 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
• Wilderness-Hemlock - 0.75 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
• Wilderness-Nebo - 2 (Miles), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
• Wilderness-North Country - 5.5 (Miles), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
• Wilderness-Point Road - 3.5 (Miles), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
• Wilderness-Pondside - 0.25 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
• Wilderness-Red Pine - 1.25 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
• Wilderness-South Boundary - 1.5 (Miles), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
• Wilderness-Sturgeon Bay - 2.25 (Miles), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
• Wilderness-Swamp Line - 2 (Miles), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski

Trail Description:

Wilderness State Park offers visitors a variety of year-round recreational activities within its over 10,000 acres. Wilderness areas and 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline provide great places to observe nature from the nurmerous trails throughout the park. The park's 250 modern campsites are divided into two units, the Lakeshore and the Pines. Six rustic cabins and three rustic bunkhouses are additional options for accommodations withint the park.

The terrain is a mixture of dense coniferous forest to mature hardwood forest, with some pockets of open, wet, meadows mixed in. There are an abundance of small ponds mixed in with coniferous wetlands. It is easy to get lost and everyone going into the forest is advised to carry a map and compass.

Please visit the links below for important maps of Wilderness State Park.
For a map of Wilderness State Park click here.
For a map of ski and snowmobile trails click here.

Features:

• Michigan State Park Explorer Program - Learn more about the natural features and resources located in this park with the Outdoor Explorer Program.
• Hunting - This park boasts excellent deer and snowshoe hare hunting, while hunting opportunities exist for grouse, duck, goose, and squirrel as well. Bear hunting is available with the appropriate license. There are a few bobcats. The park is also open to trapping. There is an abundant population of beaver, which receive moderate trapping pressure. Coyote numbers are also high, but they receive little hunting or trapping attention. The park also supports mink, muskrat, and otter.
• Designated Watchable Wildlife Site - The Wildlife Viewing Guide is now on line at www.michigan.gov/miwildlifeviewing.For a checklist of birds that can be seen at this park click here. For a checklist of wildflowers commonly found in this park click here.
• Playground - These play areas offer a variety of playground equipment for children.
• Swimming - Lake Michigan Beach Information
• Fishing
• Picnic Area - Picnic tables and fire pits/grills
• Hiking - More than 16 miles stretch across the East Boundary, South Boundary, Nebo, Sturgeon Bay, Swamp Line and Big Stone trails. These trails are shared with all bicycles, including mountain bikes. The North Country Trail includes 10 miles within the state park, including the Red Pine Trail. This national scenic trail hiking route from North Dakota to New York includes more than 1,500 miles in Michigan.
• Mountain Biking - More than 16 miles stretch across the East Boundary, South Boundary, Nebo, Sturgeon Bay and Swamp Line trails. These trails are shared with hikers. Mountain biking is not allowed on Big Stone, Pondside and Red Pine trails.
• Snowmobile Area - Allowed with 4" of snow or more on the ground.
• Boating Access Site/Launch - Access for boating and fishing. The park has a boat launch for access to Lake Michigan on Big Stone Bay. The boat launch provides an ADA accessible vault toilet. Due to low water conditions, launching larger boats may be difficult. For further information please contact the park.
• Cross Country Ski - For a map of cross country ski trails please click here.
• Metal Detecting Areas - Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources in Michigan State Parks nor violate applicable state statutes. If you wish to use a metal detector in this state park, here is a map that shows clearly where this activity may take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation.

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