More than 20 inland lakes nestled in rolling woodlands make up the Big Island Lake area, which offers secluded canoeing, fishing, hiking and camping opportunities as well as backcountry Nordic skiing in winter. The scenic area covers 6,606 acres and is primarily roadless with limited access to three of the lakes for motorized vehicles.
The Indian River Canoe Trailhead at Fish Lake is approximately 36 miles northwest of Manistique, and about 15 miles south of Munising. The Indian River, from Fish Lake to Indian Lake, a total of almost 36 miles, offers excellent canoeing.
The Sturgeon River canoe trail starts 3 miles west of Forest Highway 13 at County Road 440 near the Alger-Delta County line. This is approximately 35 miles east of Rapid River, and 44 miles west of Manistique. The trail is 41 miles in length and has six access points. Most lands along the Sturgeon River are National Forest Lands, but private properties exist.
The Whitefish River canoe trail offers approximately 28 miles of good canoeing. It offers the canoer two trails, the East Branch is approximately 8 miles longer than the West Branch. Two and a half miles south of FR-2236, the two branches converge and flow past the bridge on U.S. 2 and onto the public boat launch site at Rapid River. Deer, waterfowl, and bird sightings (including bald eagles) are common.
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