Thomas Rock Trail/Gobbler's Knob Overlook

The Thomas Family has donated this favorite outing destination to Powell Township, with the provision that the name be changed to Thomas Rock Trail. There's now a paved, wheelchair-accessible trail winding around and up to the scenic lookout, which has a grand view looking off to the Keweenaw Peninsula. Interpretive signs identify plants along the trail. It takes about 20 minutes to walk around, up, and down. Picnic tables and restrooms are extra amenities, paid for with funds from the DNR Land Trust Fund from gas and oil revenues.

Nearly 400 adjoining acres with two or three more overlooks have been acquired with a second DNR grant. Nature trails and mountain biking trails there will be more rustic. Overnight rustic camping will be provided.

From CR 550 a little south of the village of Big Bay, take CR 510 a little over one mile southwest. (906) 345-9345. Wheelchair-accessible.
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BIG BAY
POINTS OF INTEREST

Alder Falls. Pretty little waterfall a quater-mile down a hillside with a thick pine forest ... more

Lake Independence and Perkins County Park. There's good year-round fishing at this big lake known for its northern pike, walleye, and perch. The shallow lake makes for warmer, earlier swimming at the attractive park beach ... more

Big Bay Outfitters/Anatomy of a Canoe. Part crafts shop, part outfitters and kayak and canoe dealer, part outdoors store. In season a daily waterfall and mountaintop tour of hard-to-find beauty spots ... more

North Shore Treasures. A charming, rambling shop sells lodge look accessories, Michigan jams and sauces, and select local handcrafts. ... more

Cram's General Store. Hardware, takeout sandwiches, complete groceries and meats, videos, snowmobile and car parts can be found at this community info center ... more

Big Bay Harbor and beach. A beautiful and little-used beach near unusual sandstone formations that are fun for kayakers and scuba divers to explore ... more

Big Bay Point lighthouse tour. Now a B&B, this 1896 brick lighthouse has tours highlighted by a climb up the 65' light tower viewing Lake Independence, the Huron Mountains, and passing ships ... more

Thomas Rock Trail/Gobbler's Knob Overlook. A grand view toward the Keweenaw Peninsula on this 20-minute trail ... more

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