Category: Michigan Federal

Hiawatha National Forest
Hiawatha National Forest is in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  The  Forest’s dramatic shorelines lie nestled up to Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan — three of the five great lakes.  “Our lakeshores, lighthouses, islands and abundant snow create a place of respite and play within a day’s drive of urban and rural areas of Michigan, Wisconsin, other nearby states…[and Canada].Here is the Forest Website.  Phone  906-428-5800
Nahma Marsh Trail  is a 0.3 mile linear trail with broad vistas of the marsh. “This hard surfaced fully accessible trail ends at a two-tiered viewing platform where an assortment of wetland wildlife can be seen.”
Colwell Lake Hiking Trail  “This 2 mile long loop trail meanders along the edge of Colwell Lake and is surfaced to be fully accessible to people with mobility impairments.”
Monocle Lake Interpretive Trail  The first 1000 feet of this 2 mile trail, including an elevated boardwalk with a wildlife viewing platform, is wheelchair accessible.
?  There are a great many short day hiking trails in Hiawatha National Forest described as “easy”, but I can’t tell if they really qualify for this website.

Isle Royale National Park
“Isle Royale National Park is a remote island wilderness in the middle of Lake Superior. It is only accessible by ferry, seaplane, or private watercraft.”
Map   Phone 906-482-0984    Here is the Park Website.
? Windigo Nature Trail 1.2 mile  The Windigo Area Guide says the self-guided loop trail crosses  fern-filled cedar lowlands,  and hardwood forests of maple and birch.  AllTrails says it is good for “all skill levels.”  However, the Park site cautions that Isle Royale terrain is “rough and uneven.”

Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore has sandy beaches, high bluffs, forests, inland lakes, and unique flora and fauna.  High dunes afford spectacular views across Lake Michigan.  As described in The Disabled Traveler’s Companion.
Map  Here is the Lakeshore website.  Phone 231-326-4700      Accessibility
?    There are several trails which might be easy for you.  Call to find out.

Duneside  Trail is a 0.9 mile round trip interpretive trail to a deck and a small pond.  It begins at the north end of the picnic area and parking lot.  It “winds through an open field at the base of the dunes, then through the forest to a wetland.”  Trail map and guide.
? There are some hikes on South Manitou Island which sound easy, but call first to learn about them.
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail  “Currently the trail runs almost 22 miles between Empire and Bohemia Road, connecting to park attractions and the town of Glen Arbor along the way. Most of the trail is asphalt, but a 3-mile section which goes through the Port Oneida Rural Historic District north of Glen Arbor is crushed stone.”
?  Good Harbor Bay Trail 2.8 mile loop which might be too long for you, but maybe you could do part of it.  “Flat, wet in places”  There is a short boardwalk and a footbridge.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks offers sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfall, lakes and forest.   Accessibility   As described in the Disabled Traveler’s Companion.  Here is the Lakeshore Website.   Phone 906-387-3700
A Braille introduction to the park can be downloaded from the Accessiblity page.
There are trails described under  Day Hikes   which sound pretty easy.  Call first to be sure.
Sand Point Marsh Trail 0.5 mile loop along a boardwalk through a wetland.

Munising Falls  800′ one way paved  trail to view the 50′ waterfall

Miners Castle Overlook  200 to 1,300′ one way.  Views of Miners Castle, Lake Superior, and Grand Island.
Log Slide Overlook c200 yards of densely packed gravel.