Wilderness State Park is a wilderness area in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, located 11 miles west of Mackinaw City. This expansive park covers over 10,000 acres, featuring 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, diverse forests, open meadows, and wetlands. Its varied terrain, including Waugoshance Point, provides a setting for several sports like hiking and touring cycling.
Wilderness State Park offers a range of outdoor activities and routes for exploration. There are 9 routes…
13
Routes
5
(4)
Average rating
53
People visited

14
hikers
6.19km
01:35
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
9
hikers
6.53km
01:42
40m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
18.4km
04:39
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
3.81km
00:59
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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9
riders
31.4km
01:49
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
23.7km
02:03
50m
50m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
19.4km
01:31
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
22.3km
01:54
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Wilderness State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, touring cycling, and mountain biking. The park features over 30 miles of trails for hiking and many trails suitable for cycling, often utilizing old forest roads. Year-round recreation opportunities also include swimming, fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Wilderness State Park features more than 30 miles of trails, including a 10-mile section of the North Country Trail. Popular hiking trails include the NCT - Red Pine Trail, O'Neal Lake Trail, and Hemlock Trail. For more information, explore the Hiking in Wilderness State Park guide.
Yes, many trails in Wilderness State Park are suitable for cycling, including mountain biking. These often utilize old forest roads, providing a wilderness-like setting for non-technical riding. The Sturgeon Bay Trail is open to both hikers and mountain bikers. Find more details in the Cycling in Wilderness State Park guide.
Wilderness State Park offers short interpretive trails suitable for families. The park's diverse trail network includes options for various skill levels, making it possible to find routes appropriate for different ages. The Easy hikes in Wilderness State Park guide provides suitable options.
Wilderness State Park has a pet-friendly beach and generally allows dogs in many areas, though specific trail regulations may apply. Visitors should check park signage or contact park staff for detailed rules regarding pets on trails. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
Wilderness State Park offers a range of hiking trail difficulties, from short interpretive trails to longer day hikes and options for overnight backpacking. Many trails utilize old forest roads, which can provide easier, non-technical routes. There are options for beginners and more challenging routes available.
Wilderness State Park is designated as a Michigan "dark sky preserve," offering exceptional views of the night sky. It also encompasses over 10,000 acres, including 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and supports a rich biodiversity, including the federally endangered piping plover.
Yes, Wilderness State Park provides a variety of camping experiences. These include 259 campsites, some with electrical service, rustic cabins, and rustic bunkhouses. Some cabins date back to the Civilian Conservation Corps era.
Wilderness State Park features 9 routes on komoot, with more than 100 visitors sharing their experiences. The routes have an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars, indicating a highly positive community experience.
Komoot offers several guides for Wilderness State Park, including Hiking in Wilderness State Park, Easy hikes in Wilderness State Park, and Cycling in Wilderness State Park. There is also a guide for Traffic-free bike rides in Wilderness State Park.
The official website for Wilderness State Park is http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=509&type=SPRK. The park can be reached by phone at (231) 436-5381 or toll-free at 800-447-2757.
The provided information does not specify permit requirements for general day hiking in Wilderness State Park. For overnight backpacking at walk-in campsites or other specific activities, visitors should contact the park directly for current regulations.

