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HIAWATHA FOREST LAKES
POINTS
OF
INTEREST
Indian River Canoe Trail. Shallow and wide, this much-used wild and scenic river flows to Indian Lake through hardwoods, pines, and marshlands rich in wildlife ...
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Pine Marten Run Hiking and Riding Trail. 26 miles of trails, in loops of 4 to 7 miles, wind around 11 small lakes and the Indian River. Dispersed campsites and Adirondack shelters for overnights ...
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Indian River Canoe Trail
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The Indian River is a designated wild and scenic river, undimmed and free-flowing. It begins at Fish Lake, 15 miles south of Munising (near the bigger, better-known Pete's Lake) and flows to Indian Lake near Manistique. These 36 miles have been marked as a canoe trail.
The Indian River is the most-used recreational river in the entire Hiawatha National Forest. It's a gently flowing river, usually some 30 to 50 feet wide and one to three feet deep. The canoe trail goes through hardwood forests, mixed conifers in the low areas, and marshlands, good for seeing wildlife. Brown trout top the list of fish species.
"Keep in mind that there are many windfalls," advises the Forest Service brochure, "and that the river is not cleared from bank to bank. Look for the canoe slots well in advance of reaching downed trees, and be prepared to get your feet wet."
The Forest Service has been busy reconstructing canoe access sites and rehabbing areas damaged from over-use, according to recreation planner Anne Okonek. Improvements have been made at Widewaters and Indian River campgrounds, the two streamside campgrounds. Widewaters Campground (13 miles south of Munising on Forest Highway 13) would be a good place to start a short trip. Canoe livery service is provided by Hiawatha Resort (906-573-2933) on Forest Highway 13.
The northern trailhead is at Fish Lake. From Forest Highway 13 look for the drive to Widewaters Campground but go a little farther. The trail ends at Palms-Book State Park, near Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring). Forest Service offices and info centers in Rapid River, Manistique, and Munising can provide the helpful brochure. Or call (906) 341-5666 (TDD 341-3514) or (906) 387-3700 and it can be faxed or mailed. No fee. Handicap accessible: call.
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