One of the best ways to bond with your family is to spend some time together in nature. Therefore, when you're in the northern part of Michigan, head to Copper Adit Falls in Eagle Harbor so you and your family can enjoy this relatively quiet in-and-out trail that includes a waterfall, forest, and river. Curious to know more about this easy hike? Read on to learn what you'll get to explore when you visit Copper Adit Falls in Michigan.
To get started exploring Copper Adit Falls, you'll need to take US Highway 41 North if you're coming from Munising, Michigan.
After you and your family have spent time exploring Copper Adit Falls, how about hitting some other easy trails in the Great Lakes State? For ideas of where to go next, take a look at these popular hikes in Michigan.
Have you ever wanted to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of your busy life? You know, get back to your roots and spend some time in nature? Maybe you have dreams of spending some silent solo time in the water in a kayak or canoe. Or perhaps you want to spend some time observing our fine feathered friends.
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No matter which activity you're looking for in a Michigan hiking trail, as long as you're looking for some quiet alone time, we have discovered a remote hiking trail in Michigan that fits the bill perfectly!
Near Watesmeet, Michigan, Clark Lake Trails is part of the Sylvania Wilderness. Spanning over 18,000 acres, Sylvania Wilderness is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This program encompasses over 800 wilderness areas across the country -- over 111 million acres of land and water!
The hiking loop at Clark Lake Trail is considered to be moderately challenging. At just over 8 miles, it takes about two and a half hours to complete. And the best part about this remote hiking trail in Michigan is that, according to past visitors, you'll often be the only person on the trail.
Can't you just imagine sitting here, all alone, without a care in the world? Instead of waiting for that next thing to interrupt you, you relax and let go of all life's worries. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it
Spending time in nature is so essential for your mental health. It helps you manage stress, improves your mood, and improves your focus and creativity.
Clark Lake Trail in the Sylvania Wilderness is the perfect spot for just that. Particularly in the fall, when the changing leaves are simply breathtaking.
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Visitors report that the trail is marked but not as clear as it should be. For this reason, it's important to print out a map. It's not very relaxing to get lost, is it?!
If I were planning a trip to the Clark Lake Trail in Watersmeet, Michigan, I'd be sure to time it so I'm there for the sunset. If the photo above indicates anything, the view looks absolutely stunning.
Bonus: if you hold a Michigan State Camping Permit, you can also stay the night right in the middle of the gorgeous wilderness.
The trees on this trail are part of an old-growth forest, which means the white and red pines reach into the sky almost further than the eye can see.
This secluded hiking trail in the Upper Peninsula of the Mitten State might be the perfect place to get away from it all. Aside from making sure to have a printed map with you, the number one tip previous hikers gave was simple:
Bring bug spray. We love this one - it's natural and easy to apply. You can't ask for anything more than that!
Have you discovered an off-the-beaten-path hiking trail in Michigan? Tell me about it in the comments!
Have you ever wanted to spend a day exploring a Michigan ghost town, but didn't know where to find one? Well, you're in luck, because we've found one that's off the beaten path and filled with an amazing variety of ecosystems... and the remains of an early 1900s limestone quarry.
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The Fibron Karst Preserve is located in Naubinway in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, between St. Ignace and Newberry. The limestone quarry was originally opened in 1904 by Chase Osborn and William Fitch.
In 1905, they incorporated the quarry under the name Fiborn, which is a mashup of their surnames. The word "karst" was a new one to me, so I had to look up the definition.
Karst is a type of terrain where the rock beneath the surface has dissolved, creating the formulation of sinkholes, caves, and other characteristic features.
The unique formations provide unusual habitats that invite flora and fauna that wouldn't usually thrive in this area. Both brown and long-eared bats can be found in the caves of this Michigan ghost town, which they use for both swimming and hibernation.
There are two self-guided trails at the Fiborn Karst Preserve. The shorter of the two trails is the Sinkhole Trail, which takes visitors past a creek that disappears below ground, along with a fair amount of sinkholes.
The second trail is about 1.5 miles long and is called the Barbara Ann Patrie Memorial Trail. It takes hikers along the quarry's edge, some second-growth forest, and Fiborn Pond.
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One of the most popular spots at this Michigan nature preserve is the Hendrie River Water Cave. This cave is only 7,000 - 10,000 years old and spans about 1,500 feet.
Tours of this and other caves on the preserve are available. Visitors who wish to go inside the cave must ensure they have the proper equipment and fill out the Fiborn Karst Preserve Use Permit and any other current addendums. This is to ensure the safety of the guests, as well as protect the cave.
Preservation is of utmost importance to this Michigan hiking trail, so things that are normally allowed at a park are not here. These include fires, camping, vehicles, pollution, and more.
Fiborn Karst Preserve does an excellent job of protecting both the natural and manmade history of this peaceful spot. Visitors are free to explore the remains of the bustling town that once surrounded this limestone quarry.
All that remains from this more-than-100-year-old settlement are sorting bins, a powerhouse, and the building where the railroad cars were housed. You can explore the interior of these buildings during your visit, and imagine what life could have been like back then.
Wandering through the grounds of this Michigan ghost town must feel somewhat surreal, making it an excellent stop for photos.
In the grand scheme of ghost towns, the Fiborn Karst Preseve is small. But it's mighty, as what remains is well-preserved for the age. It's obvious that the caretakers take their jobs very seriously.
However, how many other ghost towns are home to the deepest cave in Michigan? Just this one, I think!
Without a doubt, I know I'll be stopping at the Fiborn Karst Preserve the first time I visit the Upper Peninsula. I know, I know, there's a lot to see up in the Yoop. But after learning more about this place, it's now at the top of my list. I know I'll be bringing an atlas with me because all reports say the cell service up there isn't great!
Do you know any Michigan ghost towns? I'd love to hear about them in the comments!
