Hiawatha National Forest

Hiawatha National Forest, named after the legendary Native American figure, is a stunning natural gem in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, covering approximately 880,000 acres of diverse wilderness. According to the oral tradition of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people, Hiawatha is often depicted as a wise and influential leader who helped unite the five nations—the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca—into a powerful alliance. One of the notable features of Hiawatha National Forest is its vast network of trails, allowing visitors to explore the area's pristine rivers, numerous waterfalls, and stunning shorelines on foot, bike, or horseback. The forest nestles up against the coastlines of Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan, and features six historic Michigan lighthouses. The forest is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, bald eagles, and numerous bird species. There are excellent opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, and hunting. And with its abundant snowfall, the forest becomes a haven for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.