Harbor Springs Chapter - North Country Trail Association

Mackinaw City trailhead to Kipp Road, east of Harbor Springs

The Harbor Springs Chapter organizes several activities throughout the year. The first Saturday of the month the Chapter sponsors a hike on one section of the trail, thus hiking all of the Chapter’s trail during the year. A patch or pin is awarded to anyone who hikes the whole trail, during group hikes or on their own. A recurring hike takes place in June when the lady slippers are in bloom on one section of the trail. Download the 2024 Chapter Hike Schedule for dates and locations of hikes.

After the snow melts, Chapter volunteers check for, and clear downed trees. Some volunteers simply hike the trail and report on work needed. Trail maintenance takes place during the spring, summer, and fall: trimming branches, painting blazes, constructing boardwalks, and other trail improvements. Some of the trails are mowed to keep ferns, grass, and bushes from overgrowing the trail. Work days are set up as needed and volunteers on the Chapter’s email list are notified. Members are are also notified by email when meeting are planned.

We would love to have you join us for one or any of our events. Reach out at hrb@northcountrytrail.org to learn more about our Chapter.

Key Data

Chapter Trail Section

The Harbor Springs Chapter maintains roughly 46 miles of the Trail from Mackinaw City to Kipp Road in Petoskey. The northern end of this trail section is Mackinaw City, a bustling tourist town in summer, but with very few amenities in winter. The trailhead in Mackinaw City connects the North Country Trail, the Northwestern State Trail, and the North Central State Trail. The Trail goes through more than 14 miles of Wilderness State Park, in many cases using existing park trails. Five miles of those trails go through the forested sand dunes of Sturgeon Bay, shore parallel dunes which form a dune ridge swale complex. Hikers are expected to follow park rules while hiking within Wilderness State Park. Kipp Road is north of Petoskey, off East Hathaway. This part of the Trail passes through a variety of forests, including hardwoods, pine plantations and a cedar swamp. It crosses two dams and several streams. Some of the trail terrain is flat, but does include some high hills and deep valleys making for rigorous hiking.

Trail Town: Mackinaw City

The Village of Mackinaw City is a resort community located on the shores of the Straits of Mackinac at the tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. It serves as a gateway community for recreation lovers traveling north and south, and provides plenty of amenities to make it a prime vacation destination in its own right.

Connect and Get Involved

Resources

Use the Report Trail Condition form to alert NCTA and the Chapter to poor trail conditions. Visit the Trail Alerts page while planning your adventure.

Suggested Hikes

Sturgeon Bay Loop: 5 to 6 miles. This section of the Trail passes through forested sand dunes with many ridges and valleys. The loop returns to the starting point by walking the Lake Michigan beach. Driving Directions: From Levering, on US-31, take Levering Road west towards Cross Village, turn right (north) at Canby Road and travel 3 miles to Sturgeon Bay Trail, turn left (west) and travel approximately 3 miles to Trailhead 7. Hiking Directions: Begin at Trailhead 7 on Sturgeon Bay Trail. After arriving at Lakeview Road, go left to the beach and follow the beach back to the storm signal tower, then follow Lake Shore Drive to Sturgeon Bay Trail and back to the beginning.

French Farm Lake: 4 miles. The Trail follows the shoreline of French Farm Lake with ducks often visible or loons calling in the distance. Driving Directions: From Mackinaw City, take Central Avenue west to Headlands Road, turn left (south) and travel about 2 miles to the intersection of Trails End Road and French Farm Lake Road. Follow French Farm Lake Road to its end, a boat launch area. Hiking Directions: Follow the blazed trail along the lake for 2 miles, arriving at French Farm Lake Dam. Hike the same trail back to the beginning point.
French Farm Lake: 4 miles. The Trail follows the shoreline of French Farm Lake with ducks often visible or loons calling in the distance. From Mackinaw City, take Central Avenue west to Headlands Road, turn right (south) and travel about 2 miles to the intersection of Trails End Road and French Farm Lake Road. Follow French Farm Lake Road to its end, a boat launch area. If hiking, follow the blazed trail along the lake for 2 miles, arriving at French Farm Lake Dam. Hike the same trail back to the beginning point.

Chapter Maps and Guidance

Additional Local Resources

Dark Sky Park (within Headlands Park)
Headlands Park
Mackinac Bridge Authority
Sturgeon Bay Dunes
Top of Michigan Trails Council
Wilderness State Park