Drummond Island Big Shoal Bay Trail
Island wilderness meets Great Lakes solitude
Big Shoal Bay Trail cuts across Drummond Island’s wild eastern shore where few vehicles venture beyond the summer cottages. This two-track weaves through dense hardwood forests before emerging at rocky Lake Huron shoreline, passing remnants of the island’s limestone quarrying past including flooded pits and abandoned equipment. The trail terminates at Big Shoal Bay’s remote cobble beaches where you’re likely to have miles of Great Lakes shoreline to yourself.
Moderate difficulty with muddy spots during spring runoff and rocky sections that’ll scrape running boards. High-clearance 4WD recommended, especially during wet periods when the clay-based soils turn slippery. No permits required but respect private property markers. Best June through October when trails dry out and ferry service runs reliably. You’ll discover one of Michigan’s most remote and pristine island environments plus excellent fishing and primitive camping opportunities.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 720 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Drummond Island, Michigan |
| Land manager | Private/Township Roads |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner handles this trail fine. Lifted rigs aren't required — the moderate difficulty comes from soft two-track, mud, and rocky sections near the shoreline, not technical obstacles.
When does the trail become impassable, and is it accessible in late fall?
June through October is the reliable window. Spring brings serious mud and soft ground from snowmelt, and by November the ferry schedule cuts back and early snow can close sections. Late October is possible but check conditions before committing.
Are there permits or fees to drive this trail on Drummond Island?
No permit is required for the trail itself, but you're paying to get here — the ferry from DeTour Village runs around $20-30 each way for a vehicle. The trail runs on private and township roads, so respect posted land and don't camp on private property.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually expect?
The roughest stretches are the two-track sections through dense forest near the shoreline where the surface gets boggy after rain and roots create uneven ground. Nothing technically extreme, but mud can swallow you if you're not paying attention after a wet stretch — airing down to 20 PSI helps.
There's zero cell service on the island — what's the real plan if something goes wrong?
Drummond Island has no reliable cell coverage on trail. Bring a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or SPOT), download offline maps before you board the ferry, and file a trip plan with someone onshore. The nearest real services are back in DeTour Village on the mainland.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
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