Canoeing & Kayaking - Manistique Tourism Council

Hiawatha National Forest - Canoeing

USDA National Forest Service

Hiawatha National Forest

Canoeing or non-motorized boats are allowed at several of the lakes and rivers located withing the Hiawatha National Forest.

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Autrain River

Hiawatha National Forest

The slow moving, meandering AuTrain River offers an excellent four to six hour canoe trip. The trail begins at the Forest Service boat launch in the AuTrain Lake Campground and proceeds north approximately 10 miles to Lake Superior.

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Big Island Lake Wilderness

Hiawatha National Forest

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.

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Indian River

Hiawatha National Forest

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.

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Flowing Well Campground

Hiawatha National Forest

Flowing Well is situated along the banks of the Sturgeon River among large trees and a variety of wildflowers. Camping, fishing, picnicking, and canoeing can be enjoyed in a pretty and serene setting.

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Corner-Straits Chain of Lakes

Hiawatha National Forest

The Corner-Straits Chain of Lakes covers 477 acres in the lovely lake country of the Hiawatha National Forest. There is no better way to enjoy the clearness of the air, the clarity of the skies and the boldness of the forests than to be canoeing, kayaking or fishing on the larger Straits or Corner Lakes or the number of smaller lakes they connect to. The chain consists of Skeels Lake, Corner Lake, Deep Lake, and Straits Lake.

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Paddling The Indian River

Great Getaways TV

from Great Getaways #2207 "Fun Times in the Hiawatha" - Manistique / Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan. The Indian River, located on the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, provides beautiful and varied northwoods scenery. The river flows through a variety of settings, ranging from a series of connected lakes in the upper sections, to a meandering channel in an incised valley through the middle section, to a braided channel and an area of extensive wetland before flowing into Indian Lake.

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Big Island Lake Wilderness

Great Getaways TV

from Great Getaways #2207 "Fun Times in the Hiawatha" - Manistique / Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan. Big Island Lake Wilderness offers remote, non-motorized recreation opportunities for those who want to be free of amenities -- you will find no directional signs, no restrooms, and no trashcans. There is no easy access and no wheeled or motorized equipment is allowed -- so if you want to canoe or kayak, you can't use portage wheels; you must carry your watercraft across portage trails to reach the water.

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Corner-Straits Chain of Lakes

Great Getaways TV

from Great Getaways #2207 "Fun Times in the Hiawatha" - Manistique / Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan. Located in the Hiawatha National Forest near the tri-county corner of Delta, Alger and Schoolcraft Counties and just East of Forest Road 13. The Corner-Straits Chain of Lakes covers 477 acres in the lovely lake country of the Hiawatha National Forest. These are good bass lakes for both large and smallmouth bass, and occasionally large northern pike are taken, as well as bluegills and sunfish.

Indian Lake

Indian Lake State Park

County Road 442 - Manistique, Michigan

Indian lake State Park is located on Indian Lake, the fourth largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula. There is a carry-in launch on Indian Lake, located in the west shore unit of the park within the semimodern campground day-use area. Kayaks are available for rent at $10 per hour, $20 per half day and $35 per full day. Available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the park for more details.

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