Hiawatha National Forest Forest Road 2246 Whitefish Point Coastal Access
Superior's shipwreck coast backcountry access
Forest Road 2246 punches through the boreal forest to reach one of Lake Superior’s most notorious stretches of coastline. The 12-mile route leads to within sight of where the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in 1975, following old Coast Guard service roads through swampy lowlands and over ancient beach ridges. The final approach to Whitefish Point requires navigating seasonal bog holes that can swallow a careless driver, but the payoff is raw Lake Superior shoreline without the crowds.
Easy to moderate difficulty, though spring conditions can upgrade things quickly when the bogs are full. Stock high-clearance vehicles can manage it, but 4WD helps when the ground gets soft. June through September offers the best conditions and mosquito tolerance levels. No permits required, but dispersed camping opportunities are limited near the shore. This route puts you on the edge of the greatest of the Great Lakes, where shipping lanes and November gales have claimed more vessels than anywhere else on the inland seas.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 680 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance vehicle |
| Nearest town | Paradise, Michigan |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle FR 2246, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance truck or SUV is fine. The boggy sections are the main obstacle — low-hanging skid plates are the real concern, not flex or articulation. A lifted rig helps but isn't required.
When does FR 2246 open in spring, and is it passable after heavy rain?
June through September is the reliable window. Spring thaw turns the boggy sections into a mess, and even summer rain can make the two-track soft — give it a day or two to drain after a heavy storm before heading out.
Do I need a permit or fee to drive FR 2246 or camp along it?
No permit or fee required. It's Hiawatha National Forest land managed by the US Forest Service — dispersed camping is allowed under standard national forest rules, meaning no established sites, pack it in/pack it out.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually be ready for?
The boggy low spots are the crux — not technically difficult, but soft ground can swallow a vehicle that hesitates or spins. Aired-down tires and momentum management matter more than lockers here. A recovery strap is smart to carry.
Is there any cell service out there, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There is zero cell service on FR 2246 — plan accordingly with offline maps and a communication device like a Garmin inReach. Paradise, Michigan is the nearest town for gas, roughly 10-15 miles from the trailhead area, so top off before you head in.
Trail track
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